The spectacular breakup of comet C/2025 K1 (ATLAS), observed by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, sheds light on the fragile nature of cometary cores and their evolution.
These Hubble images of the fragmenting comet C/2025 K1 (ATLAS) were captured from November 8 to 10, 2025. Image credit: NASA / ESA / D. Bodewits, Auburn / J. DePasquale, STScI.
“Sometimes the best science is a serendipitous discovery,” remarks study co-author John Noonan, a professor at Auburn University.
“This comet was initially observed due to new technical constraints that rendered the original target unobservable following our proposal win.”
“We had to find a new target, and just as we began observing it, it remarkably began to disintegrate. This is immensely rare.”
C/2025 K1 (ATLAS) reached perihelion—its closest approach to the Sun—on October 8, 2025, at a distance of 0.33 AU.
This event occurred inside Mercury’s orbit, about a third of the way between Earth and the Sun, where the comet faced extreme heating and stress.
Hubble’s images taken from November 8 to 10, 2025, captured five distinct pieces, offering a high-resolution glimpse of the comet’s core disintegrating.
“Never before have we observed a comet’s breakup with such precision,” Professor Noonan stated.
“Typically, we see such events weeks or even months later. This time, we captured it just days after it happened.”
“This crucial moment enhances our understanding of the physics at play on comet surfaces.”
“We may be observing the timeline required to generate a significant dust layer that can be expelled by gas.”
Currently, C/2025 K1 (ATLAS) consists of debris approximately 400 million km from Earth.
This comet, located in the constellation Pisces, is on the verge of exiting the solar system and is not expected to return.
Astronomers suggest that long-period comets like C/2025 K1 (ATLAS) are more prone to breakup compared to short-period comets such as 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, which was visited by ESA’s Rosetta mission; the reasons for this remain uncertain.
ESA’s Comet Interceptor, set to launch toward the end of the decade, will mark the first mission destined to visit a long-period comet.
Professor Colin Snodgrass from the University of Edinburgh remarked, “Hubble’s fortunate observation of C/2025 K1 (ATLAS) will significantly aid our understanding of the breakup mechanisms in long-period comets, allowing us to investigate their interiors for the first time.”
“These findings will not just complement the detailed investigations of long-period comets expected from Comet Interceptor, but also assist astronomers in selecting future mission targets.”
Refer to the study published in the Journal Icarus on February 6, 2026.
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D. Bodewits et al. Continuous fragmentation after C/2025 K1 (ATLAS) passed near the Sun. Icarus, published online on February 6, 2026. doi: 10.1016/j.icarus.2026.116996
The Major Role of Contrails in Air Travel’s Global Warming Impact
Credit: Tuck/imageBROKER/Shutterstock
A recent extensive study involving thousands of flights between the United States and Europe revealed that contrails form less frequently when aircraft follow AI-recommended flight paths aimed at minimizing their global warming impact.
Contrails, the condensation streaks produced by soot particles from aircraft engines, are believed to contribute significantly to global warming—potentially more than the carbon dioxide emissions from planes. Recent research indicates that specific icy regions of the upper atmosphere are more prone to contrail formation, and AI can effectively leverage detailed weather forecasts to predict these locations.
Preliminary trials have demonstrated that directing planes away from these contrail-prone areas effectively reduces their formation. However, this strategy has yet to be widely implemented in commercial aviation.
According to Dinesh Sanekom and his team at Google, an AI-based contrail prediction tool was employed to offer route guidance in a randomized controlled trial encompassing over 2,400 real-world American Airlines flights.
The trial featured a one-way eastbound route from the U.S. to Europe, conducted over approximately 17 weeks from January to May 2025. These flights were scheduled at night when contrails are known to have a more intensive warming effect, contrasting with daytime flights, which tend to reflect sunlight and create a cooling effect.
Each flight path between two cities was randomly divided into two groups. The first group had the choice of an AI-optimized route designed to produce fewer contrails, while the second group received no alternative routing suggestions.
In the first group, air traffic controllers had the opportunity to select a contrail-reducing route; however, only 112 out of 1,232 flights actually opted for this alternative due to cost, safety, and operational concerns, as mentioned by Sanekom.
Analysis of satellite imagery showed that flights opting for contrail-optimized routes experienced a remarkable 62% reduction in visible contrails. Overall, when considering all flights offered a contrail-optimized option, the reduction in contrail formation was approximately 11.6% compared to the control group.
“This validates our hypothesis that this is a scalable method for minimizing contrail formation across numerous flights if we find a way to safely and accurately incorporate it into the flight planning process,” states Sanekom.
The researchers project that the overall global warming impact from flights was diminished by 13.7% for the entire group using the recommended route, and by 69.3% for those employing the optimized route. Notably, there were no significant differences in fuel consumption between the groups.
“This approach could be the optimal solution, at least given our current resources,” says Edward Grisspeed from Imperial College London. “The 62% contrail reduction observed via satellite is unlikely to be coincidental.”
However, due to the complexities involved in flight planning, Grisspeed noted the real-world scalability of the 11.6% reduction remains uncertain. “It’s not guaranteed that we can achieve a 60% reduction in contrails for every flight, but even a 10% decrease would have a significant impact.”
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Smoke and fire erupt at oil facility in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
Associated Press/Alamy
Despite the consistent opposition to climate initiatives from Donald Trump, his policies inadvertently accelerated the Green Revolution by directing attention to Iran’s actions.
In retaliation, Iran has halted nearly all navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage where 20% of the world’s oil and gas supply flows, escalating tensions with attacks on oil and gas infrastructures using drones and missiles.
As a result, oil prices have surged from approximately $70 to over $100 per barrel, with natural gas prices also seeing significant increases in various regions. Arab nations are attempting to redirect fuel through pipelines, though high prices are anticipated to persist. A think tank, Ember, estimates that even a decrease to an average oil price of $85 would result in an additional financial burden of $240 billion on fossil fuel-importing countries.
However, these costs could be mitigated by up to 70% through the adoption of renewable energy, electric vehicles, and heat pumps.
“The conflict in Iran will likely hasten the transition to cleaner energy sources,” says Sam Butler-Sloss from Ember. “As prices escalate and the vulnerability of fossil fuel systems becomes evident, nations recognize the urgent need to harness renewable energy—particularly where abundant solar and wind resources are available.”
The fallout from this energy crisis will likely surpass the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which disrupted the flow of Russian oil and gas to Europe. Consequently, annual solar installations in the EU have more than doubled, with growth in the UK nearing two-thirds, and wind energy capacity continuing to expand. Currently, renewable energy constitutes about 45% of the global energy capacity.
Asia currently stands as the most vulnerable region. 4/5 The amount of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) transported through the Strait of Hormuz is critical for countries like Japan and South Korea, relying on it for 70% of their oil supply. Additionally, Taiwan sources a third of its natural gas from the strait, with India receiving up to 50% of its imports from there. Some businesses in India have even reduced menu options due to the cooking gas shortage. “This marks Asia’s moment of reckoning,” states Butler-Sloss.
As Japan and South Korea increase coal usage, which is twice as polluting as natural gas, short-term greenhouse gas emissions may rise. Simultaneously, both nations are boosting output from existing nuclear power plants.
In response, the South Korean government is expediting approvals, financing, and grid access for wind and solar projects. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized on March 11 that solar energy and electric vehicles are essential to decrease dependence on foreign fuel imports, as reported.
“Much like Europe did four years ago, Asian economies are beginning to awaken to these challenges,” says Pavel Molchanov from Raymond James & Associates. “This wake-up call will stimulate an increase in renewable energy adoption as fossil fuels become increasingly prone to disruption.”
China, which imports nearly half of its oil via the Strait of Hormuz, has already outpaced the global average in solar and wind power installations, with anticipations that this trend will amplify. However, as the world’s largest coal producer, it may simultaneously elevate coal usage in its energy mix.
“China will adhere to its comprehensive energy strategy,” notes Li Shuo from the Asian Social Policy Research Institute. “This lesson will resonate with several other nations.”
For countries with underdeveloped electricity grids, the rising costs of natural gas and diesel will position solar energy as a more attractive option for utilities, households, and businesses alike. Following the Ukraine invasion, Pakistan saw a notable increase in solar energy, which rose from 4% to 25% of its electricity generation, driven by households and businesses investing in affordable solar panels from China.
In the long run, electric vehicles (EVs) could emerge as significant beneficiaries. Prices for EVs could decrease at a faster rate than gas price fluctuations, as much of the natural gas is transported by pipeline rather than via shipping. In contrast, oil prices are globally influenced and typically higher. Consumers in the U.S., the largest oil-producing nation, face unprecedented fuel costs.
More individuals are considering purchasing EVs, asserts Enver, while governments should facilitate this transition, as the “superlever” of EV adoption could potentially reduce costs for fossil fuel-importing nations by one-third.
Nonetheless, as the average vehicle lifespan nears 20 years, the full impact of this transition will take time, according to energy consultant Michael Liebreich of Liebreich Associates. The shift from natural gas to renewable energy is already perceptible and will persist, even as gas prices decline.
“The assumption that gas demand will grow in a world equipped with affordable wind, solar, and battery storage—while increasingly shunning global commodity markets—is misguided. That era is over,” Liebreich concluded.
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Birch Bark Tar: An Ancient Adhesive and Antiseptic.
Credit: Tjaark Siemssen, CC-BY 4.0
Neanderthals might have harnessed the antibacterial properties of tar made from tree bark for wound treatment. Contemporary studies of birch tar reveal its antibiotic qualities, indicating that our ancient relatives likely recognized its healing potential.
This finding contributes to the expanding evidence that Neanderthals utilized medicinal plants for treating injuries and ailments.
“Birch tar has been documented since the late Pleistocene, especially at Neanderthal sites throughout Europe,” states Chark Siemsen from Oxford University.
For instance, “it was evidently used as an adhesive” for attaching stone points to wooden spears, according to Siemsen. However, he suggests that its applications might extend beyond this. Recently, birch tar has served as a medicinal ointment for certain indigenous communities, such as the Mi’kmaq of eastern Canada, where it is known as mask wiomi and utilized as a broad-spectrum antibiotic.
To explore whether Neanderthal-produced birch tar possessed similar attributes, Siemsen and his team collected downy birch (Betula pubescens) and silver birch (Betula pendula) bark from public lands in Germany to experiment with three different birch tar production methods.
In the “elevated structure” method, a small hole was dug, and a container was placed at the bottom. Birch bark was stacked on top and wrapped in clay. After igniting a fire on this pile for two hours, birch tar was collected in the container.
The second method is simpler and likely the first approach used by Neanderthals. The researchers combusted a small quantity of birch bark under a firestone, allowing the tar to condense on the stone. This “condensation” method produced significantly smaller quantities.
Lastly, for reference, modern methods employed in Mi’kmaq communities were utilized, which involve heating birch bark in a sealed metal can with holes at the bottom to let the tar seep out.
All produced birch tars underwent antibacterial testing. Most demonstrated effectiveness against Staphylococcus aureus, a common skin infection bacterium. The strongest sample was derived from silver birch using the raised structure method, while only the downy birch tar made via the condensation method showed no effectiveness against the bacteria.
The research illustrated that birch tar consistently exhibited antibacterial properties, even with the low-tech methods available to Neanderthals, Siemsen affirmed. While Neanderthals primarily used it as glue, limiting its application to a single use would be misleading, he noted.
“We appreciate that the researchers highlighted birch bark’s medicinal properties,” says Karen Hardy from the University of Glasgow, UK. However, she emphasizes that various plants possess medicinal properties naturally. “Extracting birch bark pitch is complex and labor-intensive,” she points out, adding that to validate its intentional production for medicinal use, researchers would need to demonstrate its unique value.
Previous studies have also discovered additional evidence of Neanderthal medicinal plant usage. Neanderthals with dental abscesses likely consumed plants exhibiting analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Hardy and her team found that Neanderthals ingested yarrow and chamomile, both of which have medicinal value without nutritional benefits.
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Repeated Heading of a Soccer Ball Linked to Brain Damage
René Nijhuis/MB Media
Consistent head impacts in sports can compromise the blood-brain barrier and lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative disorder affecting numerous retired athletes from soccer, rugby, and boxing. This crucial finding raises hopes for new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, as CTE is typically diagnosed only post-mortem.
“Numerous drugs are being developed to restore the blood-brain barrier for neurological treatment, which may offer promising futures if they receive approval,” notes Matthew Campbell from Trinity College, Dublin.
Campbell and his team conducted brain scans on 47 former athletes from contact sports, retired an average of 12 years ago, and compared them with those from non-contact sports like rowing and individuals without sports backgrounds.
Participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), utilizing a contrast agent that reveals blood-brain barrier breaches. Results showed that 17 athletes experienced significant contrast dye leakage, indicating severe damage, while non-contact athletes exhibited minimal leakage.
Those former athletes displaying greater blood-brain barrier impairment performed worse on cognitive assessments, pointing to a potential early link to CTE characterized by memory difficulties, emotional instability, and depression. “Previous evidence has shown that breaches in the blood-brain barrier correlate with CTE, and this supports that notion,” says Michael Buckland from the University of Sydney.
Mechanics of head impacts and whiplash during contact sports can physically damage the blood-brain barrier, explains Chris Greene from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. “It’s better to view the blood-brain barrier as a dynamic system rather than a rigid wall,” he states, noting that impact forces can disrupt the cellular seal within the barrier, leading to increased permeability.
Once compromised, proteins, immune cells, and inflammatory mediators may invade the brain, causing inflammation and cell damage. Their study also analyzed brain tissue from individuals who succumbed to CTE, revealing prominent immune and blood protein infiltration within affected regions. The characteristics of CTE resemble those of Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting similar underlying mechanisms involving blood-brain barrier degradation with age.
Like in Alzheimer’s, CTE is marked by abnormal tau protein accumulation in the brain, with head trauma potentially triggering incorrect tau folding and aggregation.
If a head injury concurrently endangers the blood-brain barrier, blood proteins and inflammatory agents may enter the brain, exacerbating tau misfolding, further complicating the cognitive issues associated with CTE, according to Greene. His previous findings suggested that patients who died from CTE displayed a genetic signature linked to breaches in the blood-brain barrier, corroborating recent research.
Currently, CTE diagnosis is limited to post-mortem examinations revealing tau abnormalities. Nevertheless, Campbell and Greene assert that their MRI advancements could facilitate earlier diagnosis for individuals exhibiting cognitive or mood-related changes. In the future, this imaging technique might also evaluate CTE risk among active athletes, pending further research confirmation.
If deterioration of the blood-brain barrier signifies an initial CTE risk factor, adapting existing or developing new medications aimed at reinforcing the barrier could help prevent or slow its progression, suggests Greene. A compound like bevacizumab, known for diminishing blood vessel permeability, could be explored further. Additionally, other anti-inflammatory medications like minocycline are gaining traction amid ongoing developments.
“By focusing on strengthening vascular integrity and suppressing harmful signals before tau pathology solidifies, we may shift towards preventive measures,” concludes Professor Greene.
The Perseverance rover has uncovered a precious gemstone among the rocky terrain of Mars. These intriguing gemstone grains are primarily composed of corundum and may be classified as rubies or sapphires based on their specific metal content.
Ann Orilla and her team at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico first detected traces of corundum using the Perseverance rover’s SuperCam instrument while analyzing a rock formation known as Hampden River. The SuperCam employs various techniques—including two lasers—to ignite the rock’s surface and capture emitted light with dual cameras, confirming the presence of corundum grains matching laboratory ruby measurements.
As the rover traversed Jezero Crater, leaving Hampden River behind, researchers also discovered a pebble named Coffee Cove, which exhibited similar corundum characteristics. Another rock, Smith Harbor, displayed the same mineral presence. Orilla shared these exciting findings at the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference held in Texas on March 16.
These gemstones are unprecedented on Mars and likely did not form as they do on Earth. “Corundum on Earth is typically associated with tectonic activity. This requires specific conditions—low silica and high aluminum content,” Orilla explained. Mars lacks plate tectonics, making the discovery of corundum there particularly surprising. Researchers suggest that Martian corundum likely formed from a meteorite impact that heated and compressed the surrounding dust.
Alan Treiman, a conference participant not affiliated with Orilla’s team, remarked, “I was quite surprised. However, there are aluminum-rich formations on Earth resulting from meteorite impacts.” The findings definitely sparked curiosity and further inquiries.
These corundum grains are extremely tiny—less than 0.2 millimeters in diameter—making visual identification of their type, ruby or sapphire, impossible through images alone.
“I wish I could collect one of these grains for analysis to determine if it’s red. It’s somewhat disappointing to only see this white pebble,” Orilla expressed. Nevertheless, shining the SuperCam laser on it revealed a brilliant glow.
Scanning Electron Microscopy of Magic Mushroom Spores
Ted Kinsman/Science Photo Library
Psychedelic substances like psilocybin, LSD, and DMT are being explored as potential treatments for depression, but research suggests they may not be as effective as traditional antidepressants. Despite the promising results, the challenge remains: many participants in these studies can identify if they received a psychedelic or a placebo due to the distinct hallucinogenic effects.
According to Balaz Szigeti from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), “Our findings highlight that while psychedelics show effectiveness in treating depression, this isn’t necessarily comparable to the effects of traditional antidepressants.” He noted a growing interest in psychedelic treatments, yet cautioned against conflating their efficacy with unblinded trials.
Research indicates that hallucinogens show potential in alleviating depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. In typical drug development, treatments are primarily tested against placebos, mitigating the placebo effect—wherein individuals experience symptom relief through expectation. However, due to the identifiable nature of psychedelic experiences, ensuring true double-blind conditions in these studies proves problematic.
To navigate this issue, Szigeti and his team analyzed 24 clinical trials. Their research encompassed eight focusing on psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT), integrating psychotherapy with psychedelics, and 16 open-label trials evaluating conventional antidepressants. Open-label designs lack the blinding typical in rigorously controlled studies.
The results revealed that conventional antidepressants minimally outperformed PAT by just 0.3 points on a 52-point depression scale, a difference deemed neither statistically nor clinically significant.
Historically, psychedelics outperformed placebos by 7.3 points, whereas traditional antidepressants showed a 2.4-point advantage over placebos. However, researchers argue this discrepancy may largely stem from participants being able to recognize their treatment assignment. “Our findings and others suggest that unblinding may suppress the placebo response,” Szigeti concludes.
Matthew Johnson, a professor at Johns Hopkins University, remarked, “This review presents a pragmatic approach to evaluating placebos in psychedelic depression trials.” He added that some researchers may pursue results with a bias to prove psychedelics’ effectiveness, veering away from a principled testing approach.
Meanwhile, Rayan Zafar, a professor at Imperial College London, emphasized the necessity of directly comparing psychedelics with antidepressants, stating, “The science remains inconclusive.” Following one study, psilocybin was tested against escitalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, but did not yield significant differences in depression alleviation.
Robin Carhart-Harris, also from UCSF and involved in the escitalopram trial, criticized the methodological diversity across studies. Comparing trials with dissimilar designs, including varying sample sizes and inclusion criteria, often leads to inconclusive results. “To draw accurate comparisons, we must analyze similar studies rather than disparate ones,” he insists.
In September, a study explored using LSD for anxiety disorders, aiming to reduce unblinding by administering a lower dose that could still induce hallucinogenic effects without affecting mental clarity. In another psilocybin trial, sedatives were employed to induce amnesia, erasing participants’ memories of their experiences.
When you think of a psychopath, you might envision a dangerous individual whose ruthless self-interest harms others while benefiting themselves. Surprisingly, psychopathy is more prevalent than most realize; approximately 1 percent of the general population exhibits psychopathic traits, equating to about 1 in 5 men. This is evident in both prison populations and links to corporate leadership where psychopathic traits can often be found.
While interacting with a psychopath can be distressing, living with psychopathy is equally challenging. According to Abigail Marsh, a psychology and neuroscience professor at Georgetown University, many individuals with psychopathic traits lead ordinary lives—but are often reluctant to embrace those traits.
Though the exact definition of psychopathy remains under study, it is generally characterized by traits such as insensitivity, lack of empathy, charismatic charm, and impulsivity. Screening tools often assess behaviors including pathological lying, grandiosity, manipulative tendencies, and a constant need for stimulation.
Research has shown that psychopaths may focus excessively on their own goals, failing to understand other perspectives. A study led by scientists, including Marsh, found that structurally, the brains of those with psychopathy differ significantly.
Marsh’s research examines individuals with high psychopathy scores from the general population rather than from prisons. In a groundbreaking study published last year, her team quantitatively measured how individuals with psychopathic traits perceive the well-being of others. She shared insights with New Scientist about these surprising findings and the nuances of psychopathy in relation to compassion.
Sabrina Weiss: How do psychopaths experience life?
Abigail Marsh: Generally, they report an inability to feel strong emotions such as fear, guilt, remorse, or love. While some may believe life would be simpler without these feelings, it often leads to greater challenges. Many individuals spend their lives concealing their true selves for various reasons—either to manipulate or to facilitate social interaction.
There is significant stigma surrounding psychopathy, often regarded as a permanent moral failing rather than a mental disorder rooted in genetics and life experiences. Understanding that psychopathy stems from treatable biological processes is crucial.
What do we know about the brains of psychopaths?
Although diagnosing psychopathy through brain scans alone is impossible, research has highlighted consistent differences. One notable difference is found in the amygdala, which tends to be smaller in individuals with psychopathy. Studies show that individuals with smaller amygdalae often exhibit more severe psychopathic traits over time, and these brain regions show reduced responsiveness to social cues indicating fear or danger.
Additionally, researchers have noted anatomical or functional variations in other brain areas, including the striatum, which influences our responses to potential rewards, and other regions in the prefrontal cortex, which are critical for decision-making and behavioral regulation.
Wolf of Wall Street: Notable characters with psychopathic traits.
Photo 12/Alamy
How can mental illness be treated?
Research indicates that years of therapy can assist individuals with psychopathy in managing their symptoms. However, accessible public health resources tailored for personality disorders, particularly those involving antisocial behaviors, are scarce. Society often neglects the needs of psychopaths, which is tragic, as these individuals deserve appropriate care akin to those with other mental disorders. It’s vital to recognize that some people actively seek out improvement methods.
Can a psychopath change?
Some individuals report using strategies like behavior modification to foster long-term changes. For instance, one person shared that by “faking it” as a good individual, he gradually developed a genuine sense of empathy. Clinical psychologists often advocate for practicing desired behaviors until they become habitual, which reflects the experiences shared by those striving for self-improvement amidst their psychopathic traits.
What moral codes do they develop?
An interesting case involved someone with aggressive tendencies who decided to channel those impulses towards social justice causes. He would confront people making offensive comments, but generally managed to control his actions through the personal principles he established.
How common is the desire for change among psychopaths?
While quantifying this interest is challenging, many interviewees expressed dissatisfaction with their lives and recognized their destructive behaviors. Although they desire change, they often grapple with a lack of effective remedies.
It’s significant to note that individuals contacted us after screening tests on our organization’s website; thus, we have preliminary insights into their perceptions. Research across various neurological and personality disorders indicates that many individuals may lack awareness of their conditions, a phenomenon referred to as agnosia.
Why avoid using the term “psychopath”? Referring to individuals as “mentally insane”?
Evolving clinical psychology seeks to adopt a more person-centered approach that refrains from labeling individuals by their disorders. Today, we prefer to describe people as having depression or schizophrenia instead of defining them solely by these conditions. Sadly, this perspective has not permeated societal views on personality disorders, where terms like “psychopath” or “narcissist” remain prevalent.
What motivated you to study psychopathy?
My journey began with a fascination about what drives people to care for one another. Part of my research involves highly altruistic individuals. A personal experience—a stranger helping me after a serious car accident—shaped my perspective on humanity.
However, a subsequent negative experience—being assaulted by a stranger—testified to the darker side of human behavior, igniting my curiosity about psychopathy and its implications.
Beyond screening tests, how do you recruit participants for your research?
My latest study successfully engaged over 700 individuals, including 288 with significant psychopathy scores from the Aggressive Disorder Prevention Association. Those scoring highly are invited to participate through website pop-ups.
In lab-based studies, we employ flyers with engaging phrases to attract participants, akin to an advertising campaign from the 1970s aimed at recruiting individuals with psychopathy.
In your recent study, you assessed how individuals with psychopathic traits evaluate the well-being of others. Why is this significant?
Antisocial behavior often derives from self-serving motives at the expense of others. Common forms include theft and dangerous driving. While most people may evaluate rewards based on proximity, those exhibiting psychopathy demonstrate a drastic valuation drop regarding strangers’ welfare compared to their own.
Individuals with psychopathy often engage in risky behaviors, such as stealing.
Jaco Brand/Getty Images
Were there any surprising results?
The findings were even more pronounced than anticipated. Our “social discounting task” evaluated how individuals value rewards based on their recipients. Most people don’t significantly reduce the value of a reward when a close one receives it. However, among participants with psychopathy, I observed an alarming rapid decline in the value they assigned to others’ welfare.
How does psychopathy impact daily life?
Many of us may unknowingly interact with individuals exhibiting psychopathic traits. Given that about 1 in 100 people are estimated to have clinically meaningful psychopathic traits, it is plausible that someone in your circle could be harmful or manipulative without being recognized as a threat.
What should you do if you suspect someone has a mental disorder?
It’s crucial to understand that psychopathy is indeed a genuine mental illness that can be effectively treated. Individuals with psychopathy often experience detrimental impacts on their health, relationships, employment, and overall quality of life. However, through knowledgeable therapy, behavioral improvements are achievable. For resources and information, individuals can visit the Aggressive Disorder Association website.
Exploration at Antarctica’s Allan Hills Reveals 3 Million-Year-Old Ice Cores
Credit: Austin Carter
Researchers have used ancient air bubbles trapped in a 3-million-year-old ice core to analyze atmospheric gases from the late Pliocene for the first time. This era, when global temperatures were approximately 1°C higher than today, and sea levels were 25 meters elevated, serves as a crucial reference for current climate discussions.
The results indicated that carbon dioxide and methane concentrations from this period were significantly lower than today’s levels, suggesting that Earth’s climate might be more susceptible to minor changes in atmospheric conditions than previously believed.
In various regions of Antarctica, annual snow accumulation compresses layers into ice that entraps air bubbles, allowing scientists to construct a historical atmospheric record. Last year, the Beyond EPICA team successfully extracted the oldest continuous ice record, dating back over a million years. Learn more about this significant breakthrough.
Furthermore, scientists obtained even older ice in areas where prevailing winds eroded younger layers, bringing older “blue” ice closer to the surface.
Julia Marks Peterson, a professor at Oregon State University, and her colleagues utilized this ancient ice from Allan Hills to make direct measurements of carbon dioxide and methane levels in the Pliocene atmosphere. They discovered that, around 3 million years ago, carbon dioxide was at 250 ppm and methane at 507 ppb—much lower than previously estimated. The higher temperatures of that era went hand-in-hand with a cooling phase where carbon dioxide decreased slightly, while methane remained stable.
These findings starkly contrast earlier indirect measurements, which suggested carbon dioxide levels were nearly equal to today’s 400 ppm. Direct measurements of past methane levels are not feasible, but current standards show it hovering just below the 2000 billionth mark. Explore more about methane trends.
“The results were a bit surprising,” says Marks Peterson. If validated, these findings imply that even slight variations in greenhouse gas concentrations can dramatically affect climate systems. “This could indicate that the Earth is more sensitive to changes in CO2 than we currently understand. That’s a concerning thought,” she adds, “and one that remains unanswered given our existing records.”
New evidence suggesting lower-than-expected Pliocene carbon dioxide levels raises concerns about the potential severity of future climate change, according to Christian Proistosescu from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, who was not involved in the study.
However, additional research is essential to leverage these findings in climate modeling. Tim Naish from Victoria University of Wellington emphasizes the need for caution. He remains optimistic about uncovering data that could reveal an era of even warmer Pliocene temperatures.
Thomas Chalk from the European Center for Environmental and Geoscience Research and Education asserts the accuracy of the study’s lower CO2 measurements. Yet, he cautions that ancient ice distortions complicate interpretations regarding whether these low values reflect specific climatic periods or an overall average. “It’s essential to understand what these figures truly represent, as they don’t inherently provide a temperature estimate,” he clarifies.
The research team aims to enhance the credibility of their findings by cross-referencing their results with records from the Beyond EPICA group. “This collaborative effort will deepen our understanding of climate history,” states Marks Peterson. “We eagerly anticipate the new insights they will uncover.”
Physicists have unraveled the mystery behind volcanic lightning occurrence. Why do some particles become positively charged while others become negatively charged during friction?
This phenomenon, known as the triboelectric effect, explains how electrical charges transfer when two surfaces make contact, such as hair being attracted to a balloon after rubbing.
Within a volcanic ash cloud, silicon dioxide particles clash, leading to charge exchanges, which results in lightning when positively and negatively charged particles separate, creating a flow of electric current.
However, physicists struggled to explain the asymmetry between identical material particles that causes charge flow in varying directions.
“Numerous factors are suspected to influence this,” states Galien Grosjean, a researcher at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. “We’ve found that humidity, surface roughness, and crystal structure play important roles.”
During his research at the Austrian Institute of Science and Technology in Klosterneuburg, Grosjean proposed that carbon-containing molecules present on the particle surfaces could hold the key. While materials scientists aim to eliminate these contaminants, Grosjean and his team focused on how washing affected particle charging.
Using ultrasound, they suspended small silicon dioxide particles, allowed them to rebound off a plate of the same material, and subsequently measured their charge. “You can observe either a positive or negative charge. Washing or heating the positively charged sample often reverses its charge,” explains Grosjean.
The analysis revealed that the presence of carbon-containing molecules significantly influenced the charging direction. “This factor proved more critical than any others,” Grosjean emphasizes.
Notably, cleaned samples regain a positive charge within approximately 24 hours due to the swift accumulation of new carbon molecules from the surrounding air.
Daniel Lux from Case Western Reserve University commended the research. “While it’s common knowledge that surfaces collect dust, this finding is unprecedented in the realm of triboelectrification,” he commented.
However, Lux expressed concerns that this discovery could complicate future predictions for physicists. If carbon contamination determines charge direction, accurately predicting particle charge could become nearly impossible. “Such predictions might turn out to be unrealistic,” Lux added.
Discovery Tour: Geology and Volcanology
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Genetic and acoustic research has revealed that the rare Iijima Warbler (Philoscopus ijimae) comprises two distinct species, including the newly identified crested warbler. Both species are small and face vulnerability in their habitats.
Japanese Warbler (Philoscopus tocharensis) taken in June 2017 on Nakanoshima, Tokara Islands. Image credit: Per Alström / Uppsala University.
The Japanese Warbler is a rare migratory bird native to Japan.
They breed in the Izu and Tokara Islands, located about 1,000 kilometers southeast of Honshu, Japan.
The Tokara population was only identified in Nakanoshima in 1988, with breeding also observed on four nearby islands.
Despite similarities between the two populations, research shows notable differences in their songs, as highlighted by a study led by Per Alström from Uppsala University.
Analyzing song patterns has enabled researchers to distinguish island populations with remarkable accuracy.
Genetic analysis of thousands of genome-wide markers and mitochondrial sequences shows a significant divergence between the two lineages, suggesting a separation period of approximately 2.8 to 3.2 million years.
“This finding underscores the importance of genetic research in recognizing hidden biodiversity, especially during the global biodiversity crisis,” stated Dr. Alström.
Despite potential for seasonal migration bringing them closer, no gene flow has been detected, indicating long-term reproductive isolation.
“Defining the new species is challenging,” Alström remarked. “They appear identical to a Japanese Warbler, but DNA analysis and song differences confirm their classification as distinct species.”
The Izu Islands population has been classified as endangered, while the newly recognized Tokara species is known as the Tokara Leaf Warbler (Philoscopus tocharensis), posing further conservation challenges.
Breeding has only been confirmed on Nakanoshima, with limited sightings across the archipelago.
Genomic studies indicate both species exhibit low genetic diversity, alongside historical population declines linked to their small, isolated nature, though signs of limited inbreeding may indicate a recovery from earlier bottlenecks.
Island species face unique threats, including habitat disturbance from human activities and invasive predators, further stressing fragile populations.
This study emphasizes a significant concern in conservation biology: species that lack formal recognition might receive inadequate protection.
Integrating genomics with traditional taxonomy can aid in identifying these hidden lineages before they go extinct.
“Island species are especially at risk, yet many remain undiscovered,” the researchers concluded. “Our findings reveal how genomics can expose hidden biodiversity and serve as critical indicators of population health.”
The urgency of formally recognizing and assessing the conservation status of these rare species is imperative in an ever-changing world to ensure the protection of overlooked lineages.
This study contributes to comprehensive conservation assessments for passerine birds leveraging genomic data.
The research team’s findings are documented in their paper published in PNAS Nexus.
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Takema Saito et al. 2026. Discovering and protecting enigmatic biodiversity: A case study of previously undescribed endangered bird species in Japan. PNAS Nexus 5(3):pgag037; doi: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgag037
Recent studies reveal that bird-like oviraptorids couldn’t rely solely on body heat for egg incubation. Instead, they utilized both body warmth and sunlight in semi-open nests.
The artist’s impression of Huananzaurus ganjoensis. Image credit: Chuang Zhao.
“Our research indicates that variations in oviraptor hatching strategies are linked to the positioning of adults and eggs,” stated Dr. Tzu-Ruei Yang, a paleontologist at the National Museum of Natural Science, Taiwan.
“We also estimated the hatching efficiency of Oviraptor, which is significantly lower than that of contemporary birds,” added Chun Yu Su, a researcher at Washington High School.
In this investigation, scientists simulated brooding behaviors similar to those of bears. The dinosaur Haeyuannia Fungi, part of the Oviraptoridae family, thrived in present-day China during the late Cretaceous period, approximately 70 to 66 million years ago.
This species is estimated to have reached around 1.5 meters in length and weighed about 20 kilograms, constructing semi-open nests made of multiple egg rings.
During the hatching process, Oviraptor’s model consisted of Styrofoam and wood for structural support, along with cotton, foam paper, and cloth for soft tissue representation.
The eggs were crafted from casting resin, and two clutches were used in the study, organized in double rings to emulate authentic oviraptor nests.
“For instance, oviraptor eggs differ substantially from those of modern species, prompting us to create resin eggs that closely mimic the real thing.”
Artist rendition of oviraptorosaurus, hadrosaurus, and tyrannosaurus from the late Cretaceous period of central China. Image credit: Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.
When exploring how the presence of adult incubators and varying environmental conditions impacted hatching patterns, researchers found that in cooler temperatures where adults participated, egg temperatures in the outer rings could fluctuate by up to 6 degrees Celsius. This resulted in asynchronous hatching, where eggs hatched at different times within a single nest.
In warm environments, the temperature difference between outer ring eggs was only 0.6 degrees Celsius, indicating that oviraptors in warmer climates exhibited distinct asynchronous hatching due to their ability to harness solar heat more effectively.
“It’s unlikely that larger dinosaurs would have remained stationary while incubating eggs. They probably relied on solar heat or warmth from the soil, much like turtles,” Yang explained.
“Given that Oviraptor’s nests are exposed to the air, solar heat played a more crucial role than soil heat in incubation.”
The researchers further compared Oviraptor’s hatching efficiency with that of modern avians.
Typically, contemporary birds use thermoregulatory contact hatching, where the adult directly incubates the eggs, transferring heat.
This method requires three essential conditions: direct contact with all eggs, acting as the primary heat source, and maintaining temperatures within a narrow range—criteria that Oviraptor did not fulfill.
“It’s possible that Oviraptor was incapable of thermoregulatory contact incubation like present-day birds,” Hsu remarked.
“Instead, these dinosaurs might have depended on both adult incubation and sunlight, a strategy that is less efficient than modern avian hatching methods.”
“However, this blend of parental care and ambient heat sources, which could be related to the shift from buried to semi-open nests, isn’t necessarily a disadvantage.”
Dr. Yang clarified, “Modern birds are not inherently superior at incubation.” He explained, “The incubation strategies of oviraptors and modern birds differ significantly, each suited to their environments.”
There’s no categorical ‘good’ or ‘bad’ in these methods; rather, their effectiveness is context-dependent.
The findings were published in Frontiers of Ecology and Evolution.
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Su Chunyu et al. 2026. Realistic heat transfer in clutches reveals that oviraptorid dinosaurs have lower hatching efficiency than modern birds. Front. Ecol. Evol. 14; doi: 10.3389/fevo.2026.1351288
A fascinating study conducted by Northwestern University reveals mathematical evidence supporting the long-held belief that clothing trends cycle every 20 years. This concept resonates with many, as we’ve all noticed styles like miniskirts and bell-bottom jeans making their comeback.
Lead author Dr. Emma Zajdera, an applied mathematician at Princeton University, stated, “We’ve all experienced the idea that fashion is coming back…” in BBC Science Focus.
Dr. Zajdera elaborates, “As mathematicians, we aimed to validate or refute this theory. Thanks to recent advancements in computer tools and digitized records, we could achieve this.” This groundbreaking research involved a multidisciplinary team, including mathematicians, computer scientists, engineers, and art historians, who compiled an extensive database of approximately 37,000 images of women’s clothing spanning 150 years.
The dataset included historical sewing patterns from 1869 to 2015, alongside Vogue runway images from 1988 to 2023. These resources enabled researchers to track changes in women’s fashion characteristics over the decades.
Dr. Zajdera explained, “We utilized a unique computer tool created by our team to quantify aspects such as dress length, waistline, and neckline along the vertical body axis. This provided consistent measurements for comparison over time.”
Interestingly, the results demonstrated a cyclical change in style popularity approximately every 20 years. Fashion trends rise, fade, and eventually resurface.
“Our mathematical model is based on the psychological principle of ‘optics,’ which suggests that successful innovations should be distinctive yet familiar,” Zajdera noted.
Hemlines fluctuated from the 1920s to the 1980s, and continue to evolve – Credit: Emma Zajdela/Daniel Abrams
Take, for example, skirt lengths: they shortened from the early 1900s into the flapper styles of the 1920s, lengthened mid-century, shortened again with the 1960s miniskirts, and lengthened during the hippie era of the 1970s.
However, the researchers observed that since the 1980s, this distinct 20-year cycling of hemline lengths has blurred, with varying lengths emerging simultaneously.
“Since the mid-1980s, fashion trends have accelerated, causing the 20-year rule to become less pronounced. Nevertheless, it still exists,” Zajdera pointed out. “Today, we enjoy a greater diversity in styles.”
The researchers suggest that this trend may reflect broader societal changes, impacting not only fashion but also music, art, dog breeds, and baby names.
Samples retrieved from the C-type asteroid (162173) Ryugu by JAXA’s Hayabusa 2 mission reveal the presence of all five essential nucleobases: purines (adenine and guanine) and pyrimidines (cytosine, thymine, and uracil). This finding suggests that fundamental aspects of life’s chemistry might have a cosmic origin.
Hayabusa2’s image of asteroid Ryugu taken from a distance of 6.9 miles, featuring a large crater at its center. Image credit: JAXA / University of Tokyo and partners.
Nucleobases are critical components of DNA and RNA, the molecules essential for life on Earth.
The detection of these compounds in pristine extraterrestrial materials enables scientists to explore how they form in non-biological contexts and how they traverse the solar system.
Prior analyses of Ryugu samples identified the nucleobase uracil. In comparison, investigations of materials from meteorites and the near-Earth asteroid Bennu have uncovered a broader spectrum of nucleobases.
“To properly evaluate the nucleobases within extraterrestrial materials, it’s crucial to examine samples minimally impacted by terrestrial factors,” explained Dr. Toshiki Koga from the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology and his team.
“In this scenario, raw asteroid samples that haven’t come into contact with Earth’s atmosphere hold significant scientific importance.”
Carbonate-rich particles found in the material samples from the near-Earth asteroid Ryugu. Image credit: Pilorget and colleagues, doi: 10.1038/s41550-021-01549-z.
The recent study involved analyzing two samples from Ryugu, collected by the Hayabusa 2 mission.
Both samples showed the presence of all five standard nucleobases: adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine, and uracil.
The team compared their results with findings from the Murchison and Orgueil meteorites, as well as samples from the asteroid Bennu.
Significant differences in the relative quantities of nucleobases were observed.
Specifically, Ryugu exhibited roughly equal amounts of purine and pyrimidine nucleobases, whereas the Murchison meteorite showed a predominance of purines, while Bennu and Orgueil samples were richer in pyrimidines.
These variations reflect the distinct chemical, environmental, and evolutionary pathways of each parent body.
The identification of these nucleobases in asteroid and meteorite samples indicates their widespread presence across the solar system, despite chemical variations.
This discovery implies that carbonaceous asteroids may have played a role in shaping Earth’s early chemical landscape.
“Studying the original distribution and isotopic composition of nucleobases in other carbonaceous meteorites will yield key insights into the origins of these compounds and the astrochemical processes involving nitrogen-based molecules,” the researchers noted.
“The universal detection of all five standard nucleobases in Ryugu and Bennu samples underscores the potential for these extraterrestrial molecules to have contributed to the organic material that facilitated prebiotic molecular evolution, ultimately leading to the emergence of RNA and DNA on early Earth.”
Read the full study featured in this week’s issue of Nature Astronomy.
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Tetsuya Koga et al. A comprehensive set of standard nucleobases from the carbonaceous asteroid (162173) Ryugu. Nat Astron, published online March 16, 2026. doi: 10.1038/s41550-026-02791-z
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg Exits California Superior Court in Los Angeles
Kyle Grillot/Bloomberg via Getty Images
As I sit down to write, I instinctively check my calendar on my phone. A notification from a friend catches my eye, leading me to an Instagram meme. Next, I find myself engulfed in an endless scroll of captivating short videos: one about the crows of the Tower of London and another featuring street food in Indonesia. Before I know it, 45 minutes have slipped away while I consume disturbing and increasingly political content.
While this time loss hasn’t ruined my day, I can’t shake off the lingering feelings of fatigue and sadness. Where did that lost time go? Why did Instagram lead me to consume countless videos when all I intended to do was check my calendar? Furthermore, why do I feel so drained?
These questions are crucial and are currently at the heart of ongoing debates, set to unfold in court in 2020. Two lawsuits filed in California by thousands of plaintiffs, including school districts and concerned parents, target major social media platforms—Meta (the owner of Facebook and Instagram), Google (YouTube), Snap (Snapchat), ByteDance (TikTok), and Discord. These cases argue that social media poses serious risks to children, leading to psychological harm and potentially fatal consequences. Children often encounter content filled with violence and unrealistic beauty standards, which can lead them down perilous paths.
For over a decade, U.S. lawmakers have suggested that the answer lies in restricting children’s access to social media rather than holding these companies accountable. Some states have enacted laws requiring parental consent for minors creating accounts, while others aim to curb adolescent bullying by prohibiting like counts on posts. These regulations primarily focus on content dangers, which in essence liberates businesses from accountability, particularly under the Communications Decency Act’s notorious Section 230, shielding companies from liability for user-generated content.
Section 230 may have seemed like a pragmatic solution when established in the 1990s, pre-empting concerns over doomscrolling, algorithm manipulation, and harmful influencers. With platforms like YouTube witnessing the upload of 20 million videos daily, holding them accountable for all posted content would be untenable.
The U.S. commitment to free speech complicates matters, as companies like Meta and Google easily challenge any regulations perceived as inhibiting access to online expression, even concerning harmful content. Many laws aimed at protecting minors from social media have faced setbacks in courts for conflicting with free speech principles, allowing companies to exploit these laws as a protective shield.
However, the ongoing California lawsuits intriguingly redirect focus away from content and free speech issues. Instead, they highlight the inherent design flaws of social media platforms, citing endless scrolling, incessant notifications, autoplay videos, and algorithm-driven lure tactics that ensnare users. The lawsuits argue that these ‘deficiencies’ transform social media apps into ‘addictive’ products, similar to ‘slot machines,’ exploiting young users through an AI-driven feed that perpetuates scrolling behavior. The overarching intention behind these legal actions is to hold these companies accountable for the adverse effects their products impose on vulnerable demographics.
This argument mimics the government’s legal approach against tobacco companies in the 1990s, where it successfully demonstrated that companies were aware of the harm their products caused while deliberately obscuring this fact. Consequently, these companies faced substantial settlements, were mandated to include warning labels, and were pressured to adjust their marketing strategies to become less appealing to children.
Leaked documents from Meta have revealed that the company recognized its products’ addictive nature. In a notable case involving a teenage girl’s suicide linked to social media addiction, a federal judge released communications from Instagram, wherein a user experience expert presumably remarked: “[Instagram] is a drug…we’re basically pushers.” This sheds light on the negligence and recklessness attributed to companies producing potentially harmful products.
Two pivotal clinical trials are currently in progress, holding the potential to dramatically reshape the landscape of social media. Perhaps, American law will finally arrive at the consensus that the core issue isn’t merely the content but the actions of the companies that facilitate its distribution.
If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to the British Samaritan at 116123 (samaritans.org) or the U.S. Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 (988lifeline.org). For resources in additional countries, please visit bit.ly/SuicideHelplines.
Innovative advancements in seismic technology are paving the way for artificial earthquakes, which could revolutionize mining discovery on both Earth and the Moon, as revealed by a pioneering German startup, Imensus. This breakthrough could play a crucial role in achieving lunar mining goals, although adapting it for the Moon poses significant challenges.
Inspired by the thundering footsteps of a tyrannosaurus rex, IMENSUS engineers have developed a cutting-edge rover prototype designed to send vibrations into the ground, effectively mapping underground resources.
“You know how dinosaurs move in Jurassic Park and shake the ground? That’s what we are,” stated David Frey, head of prototyping, during an interview with BBC Science Focus. “We are shaking the ground.”
Imensus is currently designing a model intended for Earth, enabling mining companies to locate valuable materials such as copper and gold with precision.
As seismic waves slow down when passing through dense rocks enriched with valuable minerals, geologists can effectively explore below the Earth’s surface. Surface sensors can identify wave speeds, revealing hidden resources underground.
Speaking at the AI Everything Conference in Egypt, Frey highlighted the broader potential applications of this technology beyond Earth. “The entire space industry aims to establish a presence on the Moon,” he stated. “Mining resources is essential for creating sustainable habitats.”
Frey emphasized the importance of investigating the subsoil before beginning any mining operations on Earth. “Why should we treat the Moon differently? This approach is not widely considered,” he noted.
Though lunar exploration typically relies on natural seismic activity caused by temperature fluctuations creating surface cracks, Frey proposed a revolutionary method that could generate artificial “moonquakes” on demand, providing precise measurement and control.
Unlocking Lunar Treasures
The Moon’s south pole has gained significant attention due to its potential for mining. While valuable minerals like copper and gold may be scarce, ice deposits in polar regions could be crucial resources for future missions. Additionally, lunar regolith—the loose soil on the Moon’s surface—will be vital for developing space infrastructures.
“To establish a long-term presence on the Moon, we must access existing resources,” said Lunar Seismologist Dr. Nicholas Schumer in an interview with BBC Science Focus. “Technological advancements that enable resource utilization could significantly enhance human habitats and foster a burgeoning space economy.”
Schumer, an associate professor at the University of Maryland and a scientist for NASA’s Mars Insight mission, emphasized that the seismic techniques employed by IMENSUS are effective for locating subsurface structures within the top 1 km (0.6 miles) of soil.
“They may help predict changes in the regolith’s structure by identifying features like lava tubes, buried ice, or alterations in sublunar geology,” he added.
The IMENSUS sensor captures seismic waves generated by vibrations from the rover, aiding in the exploration of mining sites on Earth – Photo courtesy of IMENSUS
This innovative approach ensures thorough site assessments, preventing financial losses due to unsuitable mining locations, as Frey pointed out: “In space engineering, such considerations are often overlooked. There’s a risk of encountering unanticipated geological features.”
Frey further noted, “Understanding subsoil layers through spacecraft measurements is vital for comprehending the Moon’s structure.”
Securing the Moon’s Future
However, Schumer warns that the Moon presents a “very hostile environment,” characterized by extreme temperatures, intense solar radiation, and abrasive regolith capable of damaging machinery.
“While it’s encouraging to see forward-thinking approaches to lunar challenges, I must stress that if equipment isn’t specially designed for these conditions, it’s likely to fail,” he cautioned.
Despite the nascent stage of lunar seismic exploration technology, Schumer agrees that “future missions will undeniably require effective seismic exploration systems.”
The terrestrial pilot phase for IMENSUS is set to commence in 2027. Whether this lunar-focused technology will be integrated into future space missions will largely depend on the progression of programs like NASA’s Artemis.
Frey envisions possibilities extending even to Mars and asteroid mining projects in the future, should space exploration ambitions shift in that direction.
Ultimately, one fact remains clear: if humanity aims to return to the Moon—or venture to Mars—we must understand what lies beneath the lunar surface.
Thunder that reverberated across parts of northeastern Ohio and Pennsylvania on Tuesday morning was likely caused by a meteor explosion.
Local residents took to social media to share their experiences, with one user describing it as “the biggest boom.” Others reported hearing “several sonic booms” and sounded off with terms like “Gorogoro.” Many also reported witnessing brilliant fireballs and bright streaks across the sky.
The National Weather Service Pittsburgh Office shared a captivating video on X, featuring a stunning image captured by one of their employees, showcasing a long-tailed fireball traversing a clear sky.
Concurrently, the Cleveland Weather Service released an image from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s GOES-19 satellite, indicating that the “latest GLM image (1301Z)” strongly suggests that this boom was indeed due to a meteor.
Meteors are rocky objects traveling through space; when they enter the Earth’s atmosphere and ignite, they become meteors. Debris that lands on the Earth’s surface is classified as a meteorite.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for the latest updates.
Duvet hogging can negatively affect your relationship and sleep quality, often without you realizing it the next day.
Shutterstock/Vasilchenko Nikita
Sleeping with your partner can lead to more nighttime awakenings compared to sleeping alone. While these disturbances are often fleeting and forgotten by morning, strategies exist to minimize their impact.
As Sean Drummond from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia notes, “Research indicates that while people perceive they sleep better together, objective measurements show greater disruption during shared sleep.”
To explore the effects of co-sleeping, Lionel Rayward from Queensland University of Technology conducted a comprehensive review. This review revealed that partner-related movements during co-sleeping occur in 30-46% of couples, meaning when one partner adjusts, the other often follows.
For instance, a sleep study found an average of 51 leg movements per night when individuals slept alone versus 62 movements when sharing a bed. This translates to approximately two additional awakenings per night as monitored by scalp electrodes.
The review included a study where couples wore movement-tracking smartwatches during sleep. On average, participants woke up six times a night due to their partner’s movements, yet only remembered one disturbance the next day, indicating that most disruptions are minor and consequently have little impact on overall sleep quality, according to Drummond.
However, if a partner snores or suffers from insomnia, sleep issues can escalate. Drummond states, “Individuals with insomnia tend to toss and turn more, which leads to greater disturbances for their partner.”
These challenges may prompt what some term “sleep divorces,” where partners opt to sleep separately to minimize disturbances. While separate sleeping arrangements aren’t inherently unhealthy, some couples perceive it as a relationship failure. Drummond advocates for addressing the source of sleep disruptions instead.
Drummond’s research found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can effectively assist couples when one partner struggles with insomnia. When both partners participate in therapy, both tend to experience improved sleep.
If blanket hogging or differing temperature preferences are issues, Rayward and colleagues suggest the “Scandinavian method”—sharing the same bed but using separate blankets.
For snoring, treatments range from continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines to dentist-designed mandibular advancement devices that reposition the jaw to improve airflow. Amal Osman from Flinders University emphasizes that some individuals only snore when lying on their backs, which can be mitigated by using a backpack while sleeping to encourage side-sleeping.
Studies show that about 80-90% of couples in the UK and US share a bed, while in Japan, it’s common for mothers to sleep with their children, and fathers often sleep in different rooms.
Co-sleeping has been a prevalent sleep arrangement throughout human history, providing warmth and security. Remarkably, some of the oldest known mattresses, including a 77,000-year-old plant mattress found in South Africa, were designed to accommodate entire families.
In pre-industrial societies like the Hadza of Tanzania, family members typically sleep in close quarters. Interestingly, Hadza adults often wake up at intervals throughout the night, with research indicating that 40 percent may stay awake for varying periods, likely to ensure someone is alert to potential dangers. Despite these disturbances, they report minimal sleep problems.
This suggests that occasional disturbances from co-sleeping partners may not warrant significant concern. Drummond concludes, “In reality, everyone wakes up multiple times throughout the night; no one sleeps continuously.”
A groundbreaking discovery at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC) reveals a new, heavier proton-like particle composed of two charm quarks.
Protons and neutrons fall under the category of baryons, each containing three fundamental particles known as quarks, each with distinct “flavors.” For instance, a standard proton comprises two “up” quarks and one “down” quark.
Interestingly, heavier quarks, such as charm quarks, can also combine to create baryons, albeit these novel quark combinations are heavier and less stable, leading to shorter lifetimes before decaying into other particles.
In 2017, CERN’s LHCb experiment captured a glimpse of an exotic baryon named Xi.cc++, which consists of two charm quarks and one up quark, possessing a lifetime of just one trillionth of a second. Recently, physicists found its intriguing counterpart, Xicc+, which contains a down quark instead of an up quark, making it a heavier analog of the proton.
This latest discovery, characterized by a predicted lifetime six times shorter than that of Xicc++, posed significant detection challenges. It was confirmed only after substantial upgrades to the LHCb experiment enabled more sensitive particle searches, achieving a statistical significance exceeding 7 sigma—well above the 5 sigma threshold needed for a legitimate discovery.
“Uncovering the particle Xi.cc+ is not just remarkable—it’s a testament to the transformative power of the recent upgrades to the LHC,” stated Chris Parks from the University of Manchester, UK. “With just a one-year data sample, we’ve observed phenomena that eluded ten years of previous data gathering.”
The identification of this particle may enhance our understanding of the strong nuclear forces that bind quarks together while also affecting heavier quarks found in particles beyond protons and neutrons. This finding could resolve longstanding questions in particle physics.
In 2002, the SELEX experiment at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory encountered a particle resembling Xicc+, yet it had a significantly lower mass than predicted, with a confidence level of only 4.7 sigma. “Now that we’ve validated its existence and confirmed the mass aligns with our predictions, we have effectively addressed this particle mass issue,” Parks remarked.
“While this measurement is fascinating, the implications remain uncertain,” noted Juan Rojo at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. “Quantum chromodynamics currently does not preclude the existence of this hadron, but we are still in the observation phase. The next five years could yield pivotal insights regarding how quark combinations impact particle mass,” Rojo added.
Credit: International Gemini Observatory/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/B. Bolin
Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS showcases unprecedented levels of water and carbon compounds, hinting that it originated around a star vastly different from our Sun—likely billions of years older.
Astronomers have meticulously monitored 3I/ATLAS since its entry into our solar system last year, revealing an astonishing composition rich in carbon dioxide and water. Initial analyses estimate its age at about 8 billion years—almost double that of our Sun.
According to Martin Cordiner and his research team at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, the comet’s deuterium levels (a hydrogen isotope with additional neutrons) are at least ten times higher than any previously recorded comet.
Typically, deuterium exists in minor concentrations in Earth’s oceans, but 3I/ATLAS displays levels more than 40 times greater. “3I/ATLAS continues to amaze us with its revelations about the similarities and differences between its host system and our own,” Cordiner stated. His team utilized the James Webb Space Telescope for these groundbreaking observations.
“It’s truly extraordinary,” commented Paul Hartog from the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research in Germany. “The ratio of deuterium to hydrogen in its water composition is highly unusual and unexpected.”
Such elevated deuterium levels are generally found in the coldest regions of the Milky Way, suggests Ewain van Dishus of the Leiden Observatory in the Netherlands. “This indicates it likely resides in the outermost disk of the star it orbits, facilitating its ejection,” Dishus explained.
Cordiner and colleagues also identified relatively low levels of carbon-13, an isotope usually created during supernova explosions. The low carbon-13 concentrations found in 3I/ATLAS point to its formation during a time when supernovae contaminants were rare, implying the comet formed around a star system aged between 10 to 12 billion years—again, more than twice the age of our solar system, according to Cordiner.
However, Dishus cautions that the imprecise carbon data means we cannot conclusively determine its exact age.
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Astronomers have unveiled a fascinating new exoplanet located just 35 light-years from Earth, perpetually shrouded in a massive ocean of lava.
The exoplanet, designated L 98-59 d, has the potential to challenge current theories of planet formation and introduce an entirely new category of planetary bodies, according to recent study published in Nature Astronomy.
This groundbreaking discovery stems from observations made by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) alongside various ground-based observatories, which revealed several striking characteristics.
Notably, L 98-59 d, measuring 1.6 times the size of Earth, exhibits a remarkably low density and possesses substantial quantities of hydrogen sulfide in its atmosphere.
This positions L 98-59 d outside traditional classifications for similarly sized planets, which are typically categorized as either rocky “gas dwarfs” with hydrogen atmospheres or as “water worlds” characterized by oceans and ice. Clearly, L 98-59 d does not fit into these established categories.
To delve deeper into its true nature, a research team from the University of Oxford utilized computer simulations to rewind the clock approximately 5 billion years, reconstructing the planet’s entire evolutionary history.
Their simulations suggested that L 98-59 d is likely encased in a mantle of molten silicate rock, featuring a global magma ocean extending thousands of kilometers deep. This expansive reservoir enables the storage of significant amounts of sulfur, which accounts for the unusual atmospheric composition detected by JWST.
“This discovery implies that the classifications currently employed by astronomers to describe small planets may be overly simplistic,” stated the lead author, Dr. Harrison Nichols. “What other unique planets await discovery?”
L 98-59 d orbits a red dwarf star with about one-third the mass of the Sun – Photo credit: Mark A. Garlick / markgarlick.com
The findings from this research also have implications for our own planet. “All planets initially form in a molten state. Some, like Earth, cool down, while others, like L 98-59 d, remain molten,” Nichols noted in BBC Science Focus.
“We can leverage these observations to gain insights into the early history of our own planet and the origins of life by studying the common physics that govern these ‘alien’ worlds.”
Looking forward, Nichols believes L 98-59 d could represent the first of many. “This planet may well be the inaugural member of the broader category of magma ocean worlds… ‘magma oceans’ could prove to be quite prevalent.”
Future missions, including the European Space Agency’s Ariel and PLATO missions, will provide further data to determine whether L 98-59 d is an anomaly or the first known representative of a much larger class of worlds.
So, why does this happen? Instead of enriching your life, “harassers” tend to heighten your stress levels. Chronic stress significantly contributes to biological aging, leading to inflammation, a weakened immune system, and a higher likelihood of cardiovascular diseases, which can result in heart attacks.
The authors of the study note, “Negative social connections were associated not only with self-reported stress and mental health but also with molecular measures of biological aging,” according to Dr. Lee Byung-gyu from New York University, as reported by BBC Science Focus.
This comprehensive study analyzed biological age and survey data from 2,345 participants aged between 18 and 103 years.
Researchers discovered that each additional troublesome person in one’s life could negatively affect health outcomes. Specifically, the pace of aging could increase by 1.5 percent, or roughly nine months of biological age. For example, having three harassers in one’s life may equivalently make a person biologically 2.5 years older than someone of the same chronological age without such stressors.
Additionally, the toll is even greater when the difficult individual is a family member.
According to Dr. Lee, not all harassers appear the same. “A nuisance could be a parent, sibling, friend, or someone in your inner circle who regularly causes conflict and drains your time and mental energy,” he explains.
In day-to-day life, this could manifest as a family member who frequently seeks assistance or criticizes you, a friend who generates drama, or a romantic partner who instigates persistent stress in your relationship.
Being surrounded by “haters” can be mentally draining; it might even shorten your lifespan – Credit: Getty
Does this sound familiar? You’re not alone. Research indicates that nearly 30% of individuals report having at least one harasser in their close circle.
Interestingly, the study revealed that having a troublesome spouse doesn’t exert the same detrimental effects on health. The benefits of shared routines, resources, and emotional intimacy can counteract stress responses that are often present in other relationships, as explained by Lee.
However, some individuals may be more susceptible to having difficult people in their lives. The study found higher instances among women, daily smokers, those in poor health, and individuals with challenging childhoods.
Lee commented, “One possibility is that people who already face higher stress levels and have fewer resources may struggle to avoid or disengage from difficult relationships, allowing chronic tension to permeate their daily lives.”
The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), which manages the largest federal climate research center in the U.S., has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration’s attempts to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR).
View the lawsuit. This legal action disputes the administration’s decision to dismantle NCAR, alleging a “systematic campaign of punishment and coercion” against Colorado amidst ongoing tensions between President Donald Trump and Governor Jared Polis.
The report submitted by UCAR, a leading non-profit organization in climate science and weather modeling based in Boulder, Colorado, follows the Trump administration’s announcement in December about plans to dismantle the research center.
The lawsuit claims that “UCAR and NCAR are collateral damage” in this broader conflict.
The disagreement between Trump and Polis arises from concerns regarding mail-in voting in Colorado and the prosecution of a county clerk convicted of tampering with election equipment during the 2020 presidential election. According to the complaint, Trump pressured Polis to release the clerk while banning mail-in voting.
Filed in U.S. District Court in Colorado, the lawsuit details a purported “retaliatory campaign” targeting NCAR by multiple federal agencies, including the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
So far, three named federal agencies have not provided comments regarding the lawsuit, except for the NSF, which stated it does not comment on ongoing litigation.
Additionally, Colorado is pursuing legal actions related to the alleged campaign of retribution against the state.
The lawsuit contends that the Trump administration’s decision to relocate the U.S. Space Command, cut $109 million in transportation funding, and impose new requirements on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is part of a punitive strategy against Colorado.
District judges have only ruled on one matter in this case concerning SNAP. The administration argued that there was sufficient fraud in Colorado to necessitate a pilot program; however, a district judge ruled in favor of the state by issuing a preliminary injunction, which outlined the reasons in a court order.
UCAR’s complaint shares similar allegations against the federal government, claiming that a “gag order” was issued to silence NCAR employees regarding the reorganization. It also points to the termination of a multimillion-dollar climate adaptation research contract and new unlawful reporting requirements imposed on NCAR and UCAR. Furthermore, the complaint details attempts to remove the center’s supercomputing facility from UCAR’s administration.
The complaint states, “The agency’s ultimate goal is the complete destruction of NCAR,” referencing a January NSF announcement about restructuring the agency while seeking public proposals for new uses for NCAR’s Boulder campus, including various public or private uses.
The allegations within the complaint argue that recent federal actions contravene the Administrative Procedure Act and request the court to halt specific lawsuits, such as the relocation of NCAR’s supercomputing facility and cancellation of NOAA grants.
UCAR and NCAR collectively employ around 1,400 scientists, engineers, and support personnel focusing on key areas like hurricane forecasting, wildfire monitoring, weather predictions, and space weather research. NCAR hosts advanced supercomputers essential for complex climate modeling tasks.
In a statement on their website, UCAR emphasized that the actions taken by the federal agencies pose significant threats to national security, public safety, and economic stability and jeopardize the U.S.’s leadership role in climate and weather forecasting.
UCAR has stated that it will refrain from further comments until the lawsuit is resolved.
Paleontologists have unveiled a fascinating new species of enigmatic ciclidan crustacean, identified from three exceptionally preserved specimens hailing from China’s Early Triassic Guiyang biota.
Yunnanosiculus fortis. Image credit: Sun et al., doi: 10.1002/spp2.70052.
The Cyclidae represent a unique group of arthropods that first emerged during the Carboniferous period and persisted until the late Cretaceous period.
Despite their significance, their fossil record is scant, as most findings only display the carapace (hard shell) of these creatures, with many anatomical features remaining elusive.
“Cyclida is an arthropod order integral to the Guiyang biota,” explains Dr. Xiaoyuan Sun from the China University of Geosciences, alongside collaborators from China and the United States.
“This specialized group of crustaceans originated in the Mississippi Sea (359-323 million years ago) and went extinct during the Maastrichtian (73-66 million years ago) of the Late Cretaceous Period.”
“They’re classified as crustaceans due to distinctive traits such as antennae, mandibles, and maxillae.”
“Sadly, our comprehension of ciclidan crustaceans remains limited because of their rarity in the fossil record.”
Typically, only the robust carapace is preserved, with the antennae and limbs being scarcely found.
The newly identified ciclidan species, designated Yunnanosiculus fortis, thrived during the late Dinerian period of the early Triassic, around 251 million years ago.
It is described based on three specimens sourced from the Daye Formation in Guizhou Province, China.
These fossils unveil an oval carapace featuring narrow, smooth margins, well-defined antennae, and seven pairs of thoracic segments.
Significantly, one specimen retains a pair of robust lower jaws, an exceptionally rare feature in ciclidan fossils.
The holotype’s carapace measures approximately 19.8 mm long by 14.7 mm wide, with the lower jaw spanning about 1.7 mm long and 0.8 mm wide.
Microscopic X-ray fluorescence analysis revealed elevated levels of calcium and phosphorus within the mandible and other structures, indicating they were thick and heavily calcified.
“Yunnanosiculus fortis boasted a notably sturdy oval lower jaw,” the research team stated.
Holotype of Yunnanosiculus fortis. Scale bar – 2 mm. Image credit: Sun et al., doi: 10.1002/spp2.70052.
This remarkable discovery broadens the known geographic range of Early Triassic cichlidans.
Previously, fossils from this era were primarily registered from Madagascar and select regions of Europe.
The new species signifies the oldest record of cichlidans located in the eastern Tethyan area.
“The identification of this new species from China enhances our understanding of the paleogeographical distribution of Early Triassic cichlidans,” the researchers noted.
“Early Triassic cyclidans demonstrate widespread distribution across Madagascar, Europe, and China.”
“However, by the Late Triassic, their presence was predominantly limited to Europe.”
These fossils also provide insights into the evolutionary trajectory of these enigmatic creatures.
By examining the morphological data from Yunnanosiculus fortis, scientists reconstructed morphospace—an approach to analyze the diversity of body morphology within cichlidans and other related species.
The findings indicate that cichlidans underwent significant diversification early in their history during the Carboniferous period, with a gradual reduction in disparity in later geologic periods.
This pattern corroborates the “initial burst” model of evolution, where groups diversify rapidly soon after emerging, followed by a phase of slow evolutionary change.
This discovery further enriches our understanding of ecosystems following the Permian-Triassic mass extinction, which eradicated over 80% of marine life.
The fossil evidence from the Guiyang biota and other Early Triassic sites suggests that complex marine communities might have been reinstated earlier than initially believed.
By revealing new anatomical details and extending the geographic record of cichlidans, Yunnanosiculus fortis offers valuable insights into the recovery and evolution of marine life during one of Earth’s most chaotic periods.
“The addition of new species and the re-evaluation of the chronological paleogeography of Triassic cichlids illustrate that early Triassic cichlids were the most broadly distributed, with a gradual decline in distribution thereafter,” the authors concluded.
“This trend mirrors the global distribution of ammonoid and other marine invertebrate species during the Early Triassic and may relate to the reduction of environmental gradients in varying latitudinal zones post-Permian-Triassic mass extinction.”
The groundbreaking discovery of Yunnanosiculus fortis is discussed in the research paper published in the journal Paleontology Papers.
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Sun Xiaoyuan et al.. 2025. A new Induan (Early Triassic, Dinerian) cichlidan crustacean discovered from the Guiyang biota. Paleontology Papers 11 (6): e70052; doi: 10.1002/spp2.70052
Recent studies by Panamanian entomologists reveal that leaf-mimicking katydid species, specifically the Alota festae, start their life cycle in a vibrant pink hue, transitioning to green within days. This transformation not only mirrors the color changes of rainforest leaves, which often turn red or pink before fully maturing, but also serves as a sophisticated adaptive camouflage strategy previously misinterpreted as a genetic anomaly.
Striking hot pink female Alota festae, photographed on March 27, 2025, at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Barro Colorado Island, Panama. Image credit: Zeke W. Rowe.
Commonly referred to as bush crickets, Alota festae is a medium-sized katydid (measuring 2.7 cm and weighing 1 g) native to Panama, Colombia, and Suriname. These insects are usually non-sexually dimorphic, exhibiting a light green coloration and broad, rounded forewings that help them blend into their environment, resembling young plants.
On March 27, 2025, Dr. Benito Wainwright from the University of St Andrews and his colleagues made a groundbreaking discovery while studying a female Alota festae at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute field station on Barro Colorado Island in Panama. This specimen showcased an unexpected and vivid hot pink coloration.
“The discovery was quite surprising,” noted Dr. Wainwright. “It’s so uncommon that, under natural conditions, we observed its color shift from deep pink to green.”
Dr. Wainwright elaborated, “Instead of being a rare genetic mutation, this phenomenon could very well be a finely tuned survival tactic aligned with the lifecycle of the rainforest leaves the katydid mimics.”
During their research, the team maintained the insects at natural ambient temperature and humidity for 30 days. After just four days in captivity, the brilliant pink hue faded into a softer pastel pink.
Photographic documentation was made every 24 hours to meticulously track the katydid’s coloration changes. By April 7, 2025, the insect had transitioned entirely to green, rendering it indistinguishable from the more prevalent green variant.
Though pink katydids have been observed in scientific literature since 1878, they were previously viewed as rare mutations with potential disadvantages. This marks the first documented instance of a katydid exhibiting a complete color change within a single life stage.
Dr. Matt Greenwell from the University of Reading commented, “The complexities of tropical forests reveal how precisely certain animals have evolved to adapt. A bright pink insect in an emerald-green forest might seem vulnerable to predators, much like a worker in a high-visibility jacket. The gradual color adaptation reflects the dynamic nature of rainforests and stands as a remarkable example of natural camouflage.”
The team’s findings are detailed in a recent study published on March 7, 2026, in the journal Ecology, which can be accessed here.
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J. Benito Wainwright et al. 2026. Pink Cricket Club: Dramatic color changes in katydids disguised as neotropical leaves (Alota festae Griffini, 1896). Ecology 107 (3): e70333; doi: 10.1002/ecy.70333
Recent findings on L 98-59d, part of the five-planet system L 98-59, indicate that this intriguing exoplanet may host an extensive global magma ocean, effectively trapping sulfur deep within its interior. This discovery introduces a previously unidentified category of extraterrestrial worlds.
Artist’s impression of planetary system L 98-59. Image credit: Mark A. Garlick / markgarlick.com.
The distant L 98-59 system lies approximately 34.5 light-years away in the southern constellation Bootes.
Known as TOI-175 or TIC 307210830, this bright M dwarf star has a mass roughly one-third that of the Sun.
This intriguing planetary system features at least three transiting planets and two non-transiting planets: L 98-59b, L 98-59c, L 98-59d, L 98-59e, and L 98-59f.
L 98-59d completes an orbit around its parent star every 7.5 days and is about 1.6 times larger than Earth, receiving approximately four times the radiant energy of our planet.
A recent study led by astronomer Harrison Nichols from the University of Oxford aimed to reconstruct the planetary history of this super-Earth, tracing its evolution from its formation nearly 5 billion years ago.
By correlating telescope observations with comprehensive physical models of the planet’s interior and atmosphere, the research team gained insights into the planet’s deep geological processes.
The findings suggest that L 98-59d possesses a mantle of molten silicate similar to Earth’s lava, underpinned by a vast global magma ocean that extends for thousands of kilometers.
This massive molten reservoir enables L 98-59d to store significant amounts of sulfur within its interior over geological timescales.
Moreover, the magma ocean assists in retaining a hydrogen-rich atmosphere laden with sulfur compounds like hydrogen sulfide, which is typically lost to space due to X-ray radiation emitted by the host star.
Over billions of years, the interplay between its molten interior and atmosphere has sculpted L 98-59d into the striking world observed today.
Researchers propose that L 98-59d may represent the inaugural example of a newly identified category of gas-rich sulfur exoplanets that sustain long-lived magma oceans. If validated, this could greatly expand our understanding of planetary diversity in the galaxy.
“This discovery highlights that the current classifications of small planets may be overly simplistic,” remarked Dr. Nichols.
“While this molten world is unlikely to support life, it showcases the vast array of planets beyond our solar system. What other types of celestial bodies remain undiscovered?”
For more details, refer to the study published in today’s edition of Nature Astronomy.
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H. Nichols et al. Evolution of a volatile-rich molten super-Earth L 98-59d. Nat Astron, published online March 16, 2026. doi: 10.1038/s41550-026-02815-8
Chemical Clues in Straight-Tusked Elephant Teeth (Paleoloxodon antiquus): The 125,000-year-old remnants at Germany’s Neumark Nord reveal that these massive creatures migrated hundreds of kilometers, suggesting intentional hunting by Neanderthals.
The straight-tusked elephant (Paleoloxodon antiquus) stands as the largest terrestrial mammal of the European Pleistocene. Image credit: Hodari Nundu, CC-BY-4.0.
According to Dr. Elena Almaroli, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Modena-Reggio Emilia, “The straight-tusked elephant exemplifies the European Pleistocene interglacial ecosystem, sharing its habitat with Neanderthals during warmer periods.”
Archaeological findings indicate that Neanderthals utilized these elephants both as a food source and for tool-making materials across Europe.
Previously, the evidence that straight-tusked elephants were hunted and not merely scavenged was minimal and contentious.
In this groundbreaking study, researchers examined the molar teeth of four straight-tusked elephants found at the Neumark Nord site in northeastern Germany.
Strontium isotope analysis along the teeth’s growth axis indicated that these elephants roamed different regions of Europe throughout their lives.
Dr. Almaroli emphasized, “This isotope analysis allows us to track the elephants’ movements like a travel diary inscribed in their teeth for over 100,000 years.”
Dr. Federico Lugli, also from the University of Modena-Reggio Emilia, remarked, “Some of the elephants in our study demonstrated considerable mobility.”
“Their teeth reveal travel distances of up to 300 km to the region north of present-day Neumark,” he added, helping to reconstruct their geographical range and adaptation to the landscape.
Researchers identified the sex of the four elephants: three males and one female, with varying isotopic signatures indicating different habitats, suggesting that males had larger territories akin to modern elephant behavior.
“The concentration of remains and isotopic profiles indicate that Neanderthals targeted these elephants deliberately, not just opportunistically,” Dr. Almaroli stated.
“This implies organized hunting strategies where large prey could be systematically pursued.”
Dr. Lugli noted, “This study marks a significant methodological advancement as paleoproteomics has been employed to determine individual sex from proteins in tooth enamel for the first time in straight-tusked elephants.”
The findings were published in the magazine Scientific Progress on March 13th.
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Elena Almaroli et al. 2026. Life history of straight-tusked elephants from the last interglacial site of Neanderthals in Neumark Nord (~1.25 million years). Scientific Progress 12(11);doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adz0114
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Heat Wave of 2023: A Catalyst for Devastating Wildfires in Greece
Image Credit: Sakis Mitrolidis/AFP via Getty Images
In recent years, global temperatures have soared beyond predictions, igniting intense discussions among climate scientists. There is widespread agreement that **global warming** is accelerating. However, opinions diverge; some experts argue it’s accelerating more than current climate models forecast, while others posit the surge is just a natural variation that will soon subside.
The implications of this debate are critical: if the acceleration is robust, the timeline to mitigate or adapt to catastrophic climate impacts may be shorter than expected.
“Ultimately, this is a question of how severe climate change will become,” states Zeke Hausfather, a researcher from Berkeley Earth, a nonprofit organization in California.
The Earth used to warm at a stable rate of approximately 0.18°C per decade until the 2010s, but recent data indicates a slight uptick in this rate.
2023 has recorded the highest temperatures yet, surpassing expectations by 0.17°C, fueled by alarming climate events—catastrophic floods in Libya, record-breaking cyclones in Mozambique and Mexico, and unprecedented wildfires in Canada, Chile, Greece, and Hawaii.
Notably, in 1988, James Hansen from Columbia University presented a groundbreaking paper to Congress highlighting that human activity, rather than natural fluctuations, was the primary driver of climate change. His colleagues claim that since 2010, the warming rate has escalated to about 0.32 degrees Celsius per decade.
This acceleration, they argue, is largely due to a “Faustian bargain” between humans and aerosol pollution. While sulfur aerosols counteract warming by reflecting sunlight, this temporary reprieve masks the true impact of carbon dioxide emissions.
As global sulfur emissions are being curbed, this hidden warming is emerging, intensifying climate change implications. China, for example, initiated a “war on pollution” around the 2008 Beijing Olympics, leading to a significant reduction in sulfur aerosol emissions by at least 75%.
Simultaneously, the International Maritime Organization has imposed strict regulations on sulfur emissions from shipping. With reduced aerosols at sea resulting in fewer reflective clouds, the trend is further contributing to warming.
Consequently, global sulfur dioxide emissions have declined by 40% since the mid-2000s. “With cleaner air, more solar radiation is penetrating our atmosphere,” explains Samantha Burgess at the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Agency.
This trend escalated in 2024, a year that was even hotter than 2023, surpassing the alarming threshold of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Strikingly, such temperatures threaten the global goals outlined in the Paris Agreement.
Interestingly, despite most scientists agreeing on the acceleration of global warming due to reduced aerosol emissions, perspectives diverge on the extent. Hansen and his team estimate a rate of 0.32°C per decade—a figure that exceeds the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s estimate of 0.24°C and the latest climate models’ average of 0.29°C.
Natural fluctuations also significantly influence Earth’s temperature. For instance, in 2020, an exceptional solar maximum occurred within the 11-year solar cycle, resulting in increased sunlight reaching Earth.
In 2022, a massive undersea volcano erupted near Tonga, releasing 146 million tons of water vapor—a greenhouse gas—into the stratosphere while simultaneously emitting sulfur aerosols that temporarily cooled the atmosphere.
Subsequently, a strong El Niño developed in 2023 and 2024. El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon characterized by weakened trade winds, leading to warmer waters in the Pacific Ocean and heightening global temperatures.
To accurately assess the acceleration of global warming, scientists must disentangle natural variability from long-term trends in observed temperatures, building models that reflect emerging patterns. The lesser the impact of natural variability, the more pronounced the acceleration becomes.
Recently, a statistical analysis conducted by Stefan Rahmstorf from Germany’s Potsdam University and statistician Grant Foster found that global warming has intensified by approximately 0.36°C per decade since 2014.
However, Michael Mann from the University of Pennsylvania argues that Rahmstorf and colleagues might overstate aerosol impacts and underestimate natural variability, asserting that minimal acceleration has occurred since the 1990s.
“The recent warmth aligns with standard climate model simulations shaped by the 2023-2024 El Niño event, without necessitating extraordinary explanations,” Mann stated.
Unexpected climate feedback loops may also be factoring into recent temperature rises. One of the most significant uncertainties lies in the behavior of clouds, which can’t be accurately captured in climate models due to their small scale and scattered nature.
A study by Helge Goessling at the Alfred Wegener Institute indicates that approximately 0.2°C of the 1.5°C warming in 2023 can be attributed to a reduction in low-level clouds. Some of this cloud reduction stems from decreased sulfur pollution, while other factors may involve “new low cloud feedback,” according to researchers.
Typically, a temperature inversion creates a situation where cold, moist air resides over subtropical oceans, separated from warm, dry air above. However, as climate change elevates the temperature of this cold air, the inversion layer may collapse, potentially reducing cloud cover, Goessling explains.
If the acceleration of warming primarily arises from sulfur reduction, climate change might taper off in future decades once sulfur pollution reaches negligible levels. Conversely, unleashed climate feedback loops could propel temperatures even higher.
This suggests potential underestimations regarding climate sensitivity—the degree of warming linked to increases in atmospheric CO2.
“The worst-case scenario involves unexpected cloud feedback mechanisms not envisioned by models, indicating that our climate may be more sensitive than previously predicted,” warns Brian Soden from the University of Miami, Florida.
Current climate policies suggest the world may experience a rise of 2.7°C this century. However, there is potential variability in these predictions, with a possible increase of up to 3.7°C. Without significant reductions in carbon emissions, catastrophic impacts could become more frequent.
“A rise of 3.7 degrees Celsius could render certain areas uninhabitable,” said Hausfather. “While 2.7°C presents its own challenges, some regions may still adapt to this change.”
Ultimately, fossil fuel emissions are on the rise, and reversing this trend is essential for mitigating adverse effects, Burgess emphasizes.
“Global warming is progressing faster, and we’re losing time to implement ambitious measures aimed at decarbonizing society,” she concluded.
Ryugu: An asteroid that occasionally approaches Earth.
Credit: JAXA
Recent discoveries from samples collected from the asteroid Ryugu indicate that all five key components of DNA and RNA have been identified. This finding substantiates the theory that asteroids could have played a crucial role in delivering the fundamental building blocks of life to Earth billions of years ago.
In 2018, Japan’s Hayabusa2 spacecraft successfully visited Ryugu, employing two projectiles—one large and one small—to gather samples from the asteroid’s surface. After returning to Earth with these samples in 2020, scientific analysis has been ongoing.
Dr. Yasuhiro Ohba and a team of researchers from Hokkaido University analyzed two distinct samples from Ryugu: surface material and subsurface material obtained from the excavation caused by the projectile. The findings revealed all five major nucleobases, which are essential components that pair with sugars and phosphates to create nucleic acids, including DNA and RNA.
This isn’t the first instance of nucleobases being detected in asteroid samples; they have also been found in meteorities and samples from the asteroid Bennu. However, researchers observed variability in the abundance of nucleobases across different samples, pointing toward the potential to trace asteroids and meteorites back to their original celestial bodies, thus unraveling their evolutionary history.
The detection of nucleobases in samples from Ryugu and other asteroids highlights their potential significance in the history of life on Earth. “Their presence in Ryugu reinforces their prevalence throughout the solar system,” states Ohba. If these asteroids are indeed abundant in the precursors of DNA, they may have been instrumental in the emergence of life on our planet.
Furthermore, Ryugu and similar asteroids might harbor even more complex organic molecules, including nucleic acids. “Complex organic compounds like DNA and RNA are likely to form in asteroids,” notes Ohba, underscoring their critical role in the origin of life on Earth.
This week, much of the western United States is experiencing a summer-like heatwave in March, with temperatures soaring across California and the Southwest, raising significant climate concerns.
Forecasters predict high temperatures exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit will blanket Southern California and reach triple digits in parts of Arizona and Nevada. On Monday, about 39 million residents were placed under heat warnings, with expectations for the heatwave to intensify as the week progresses.
The National Weather Service attributes this “unusually rapid” heatwave to a unique atmospheric pattern characterized by a dome of high pressure settling over the West, trapping heat and humidity.
“We anticipate daily record ties and new records emerging throughout Southern California, the desert Southwest, and the Great Basin over the next few days,” the agency noted in their Monday short-term forecast. “These rising temperatures are paving the way for even more extreme and widespread record heat later this week.”
In Los Angeles, temperatures are expected to reach the mid to upper 90s this week, peaking at 98 degrees on Thursday. In Phoenix, readings could soar to 105 degrees by Thursday, while southern Nevada cities might hit 107 degrees, marking an exceptionally hot start to the year.
“Temperatures will be more than 20 degrees above normal, making it feel more like early June than mid-March,” the Las Vegas Weather Bureau stated in a recent post on X.
Cities likely to break monthly temperature records in the coming days include San Francisco, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Palm Springs in California, alongside Phoenix and Tucson in Arizona, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Albuquerque, Colorado Springs, and Denver in Colorado.
Heat domes occur when a powerful, persistent area of high pressure hovers over land, effectively trapping hot air.
This week’s heatwave is especially concerning due to its unusual timing and extended duration. The Bureau of Meteorology cautioned that this heat dome might be “one of the strongest we’ve observed for this time of year,” with little relief expected until late next week.
While linking specific extreme weather events directly to climate change remains challenging, studies indicate that heatwaves are becoming more frequent, intense, and prolonged as global temperatures rise.
Extended periods of extreme heat pose significant risks to vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, especially as they adjust to summer-like climates.
The National Weather Service San Diego office warned, “Moderate to severe heat risk is expected. Please stay safe, especially for those without air conditioning. Avoid outdoor activities during peak heating hours.” They shared this announcement via X on Sunday.
This March heatwave has further worsened the West’s ongoing snow drought, diminishing the region’s already low snowpack and increasing concerns about wildfire risks and water availability for the upcoming months.
As the West faces soaring temperatures, a major winter storm is impacting the upper Midwest and Upper Great Lakes, with heavy snowfall anticipated in Wisconsin and Michigan on Monday. More than 120 million residents from the Mississippi Valley to New England also face wind warnings, with potential for damaging winds and tornadoes in areas like Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C.
Simultaneously, Hawaii has been battered by a powerful atmospheric river, bringing continuous rain and resulting in widespread flash flooding and landslides over the past five days.
Many individuals aspire to improve their health, yet this ambition often stems from short-term, superficial objectives, such as fitting into stylish outfits for events. Once those goals are achieved, health maintenance tends to falter, leading to a decline in well-being. However, understanding that our present lifestyle choices can significantly impact our health for decades may motivate us to prioritize our wellness.
Consider Alzheimer’s disease as a case in point. As an age-related illness, many people don’t begin to express concern until they reach their mid-60s, often resorting to brain games as a preventive measure. Unfortunately, the process of Alzheimer’s may have already begun long before that.
Recent studies suggest that Alzheimer’s is linked to chronic inflammation in “peripheral” organs, such as the skin and intestines, during midlife, particularly between the ages of 45 and 60, rather than solely emerging in the brain late in life. Inflammation triggered by conditions like eczema, pneumonia, gum disease, obesity, and high cholesterol may heighten the risk of Alzheimer’s. While genetic predispositions play a role in later life, proactive measures can be taken today to mitigate these risks.
“
The wheels of Alzheimer’s disease may start turning long before old age “
Furthermore, frailty is commonly associated with older age, characterized by reduced physical strength and compromised resilience. However, evidence suggests that frailty can manifest much earlier in life as well.
This shift in perspective regarding “old age” encourages the cultivation of healthy habits during midlife as a safeguard for the future. Well-established strategies to help prevent Alzheimer’s and promote overall health include engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining good oral hygiene, and nurturing an active social life. Additionally, vaccinations for shingles, flu, and tuberculosis around age 50 may offer protective benefits against Alzheimer’s disease.
Embracing these midlife adjustments can have lasting effects. After all, ensuring you remain mentally sharp at 90 will allow you to fondly recall wearing that stunning outfit at your 50th birthday celebration.
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Understanding Your Protein Needs
Maximilian Stock Limited/Science Photo Library
Protein Samantha King and Gavin Weedon Duke University Press
Protein has become a cultural phenomenon, highlighted when TV personality Khloé Kardashian advertised protein popcorn on the same day I heard comedian Stephen Merchant discuss its importance on his podcast.
Vital for health, protein contributes to muscle building, infection control, and hormone regulation. While it doesn’t surpass carbohydrates and fats in importance, it’s a key player in contemporary wellness trends. It’s timely that the book Protein: The Birth of a Nutritional Superstar has been released.
The authors, sociologists Samantha King from Queen’s University in Ontario and Gavin Weedon from Nottingham Trent University, explore the cultural obsession with protein. However, their analysis often lacks direct answers for readers’ pressing questions.
Instead of diving right into the popular protein discourse, they start with foundational knowledge about amino acids and even the etymology of the protein term. Examining protein’s rise, they note its broad appeal: promoting fitness for Millennials and Gen Xers, providing energy for baby boomers, and preventing muscle loss in seniors.
<p>Both generational groups seem particularly targeted by protein marketing. King and Weeden suggest Millennials are influenced by the "manosphere," where fitness training acts as a remedy for diminished masculinity. Conversely, older adults view protein as a political and economic strategy to mitigate health expenditures related to sarcopenia, or the age-related decline in muscle mass.</p>
<p>While these points hold some merit, they often feel abstract. King and Weeden provide insufficient evidence to substantiate their arguments.</p>
<p>Interestingly, many individuals keen on protein—like those consuming protein bars—are unlikely to be protein deficient. As a health journalist, I've observed that achieving adequate protein intake in high-income nations with a diet of 2000-2500 calories daily is generally straightforward. The <a href="https://www.nutrition.org.uk/nutritional-information/protein/">UK's current dietary guidelines</a> recommend 0.75 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight; easily achievable through a few nutritious snacks and meals. For active individuals, this intake should be increased.</p>
<p>My hope is that readers will engage with <i>Protein</i> to determine whether existing guidelines warrant reconsideration. Questions remain—should protein intake adjust over a lifetime or menstrual cycle? Is excessive protein consumption harmful? What vegan options provide optimal protein?</p>
<p>Research regarding these concerns remains sparse and often contradictory. Excess protein intake leads to breakdown and excretion through urine, suggesting that indulging in protein popcorn might simply result in a trip to the restroom. Additionally, studies indicate that <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scitranslmed.3005218">excessive long-term protein consumption</a> can strain kidneys and elevate heart disease risks.</p>
<p>The book <i>Protein</i> could greatly benefit from further exploration of these topics. Perhaps sociologists aren't best equipped to tackle nutritional inquiries. However, the release at a moment when dietary protein is under scrutiny means many readers will likely close the book still pondering, "How much protein do we really need?"</p>
<h2><em><strong>Two Additional Insightful Books on Nutrition</strong></em></h2>
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<img class="Image" alt="Book Cover - Off the Scale: The Inside Story of Ozempic and the Obesity Treatment Race" width="312" height="468" src="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/09124912/SEI_287659660.jpg" srcset="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/09124912/SEI_287659660.jpg?width=300 300w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/09124912/SEI_287659660.jpg?width=400 400w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/09124912/SEI_287659660.jpg?width=500 500w" sizes="(min-width: 1288px) 837px, (min-width: 1024px) calc(57.5vw + 55px), (min-width: 415px) calc(100vw - 40px), calc(70vw + 74px)" loading="lazy" data-image-context="Article" data-image-id="2518621" data-caption="" data-credit=""/>
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<a href="https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/off-the-scales-the-inside-story-of-ozempic-and-the-race-to-cure-obesity-aimee-donnellan"><i><strong>Off the Scale</strong><br/></i></a>by Amy Donnellan
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<p>Reuters columnist Donnellan advocates for a shift in how we perceive obesity, highlighting the potential of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic in combating associated stigma.</p>
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<img class="Image" alt="Book Cover - Ferment by Tim Spector" width="312" height="468" src="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/09124925/SEI_287659579.jpg" srcset="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/09124925/SEI_287659579.jpg?width=300 300w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/09124925/SEI_287659579.jpg?width=400 400w" sizes="(min-width: 1288px) 837px, (min-width: 1024px) calc(57.5vw + 55px), (min-width: 415px) calc(100vw - 40px), calc(70vw + 74px)" loading="lazy" data-image-context="Article" data-image-id="2518622" data-caption="" data-credit=""/>
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<i><a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/457755/ferment-by-spector-tim/9781787334656"><strong>Ferment</strong></a><br/></i>by Tim Spector
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<p>Spector, founder of ZOE nutrition, effectively discusses the advantages of incorporating fermented foods into the diet without pushing his products.</p>
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Left to right: Rachel Coldicutt, David Leslie, Rumman Chowdhury, Noura Al Moubayed, Wendy Hall.
Royal Society/Debbie Rowe
On the second day of the Women and the Future of Science conference at the Royal Society in London, I encountered significant challenges with AI transcription software. It consistently mistyped names, which strained my ability to focus on the impactful discussions surrounding artificial intelligence, particularly concerning the erasure of women in contemporary AI technologies.
This issue extends beyond the well-documented bias in AI algorithms stemming from training datasets that often lack gender diversity.
Sessions led by renowned computer scientists, including Wendy Hall, aim to tackle a pressing concern: the predominance of male designers in crafting transformative AI technologies that greatly impact society.
Historically, technology has been a male-dominated domain, with current statistics showing that only 25 percent of computer science students in the UK are women. In recent years, Silicon Valley’s environment has become increasingly hostile towards women, particularly as generative AI continues to evolve.
“There has been a significant setback over the last two years,” states David Leslie, Director of Ethics and Responsible Innovation Research at the Alan Turing Institute. “Debates regarding the generational damage inflicted on women in science by the Trump administration are not merely speculative; we’re regressing.”
Last year, President Donald Trump issued an executive order that targeted the concept of “woke AI,” urging the US National Institute of Standards and Technology to re-evaluate its AI risk management framework, stripping away references to misinformation, diversity, equity, inclusion, and climate change.
Among the panelists was Rumman Chowdhury, a data scientist and former special envoy for AI science, who previously oversaw ethics and accountability at Twitter under Elon Musk before being dismissed along with her team. She highlights that the notion of woke AI emerged from sexist attitudes within Silicon Valley prior to the President’s directives.
When asked to envision AI devoid of female contributions, panelists noted that we are already witnessing this reality. “In the sphere of frontier AI, we are indeed in an AI landscape without women,” declares Chaudhry, while Rachel Coldicutt emphasizes that lacking women in AI is not a distant fantasy, but a current reality.
The implications are profound. From crash test dummies to medical research, a longstanding trend exists where technology is built with male bodies and needs in mind, a phenomenon termed the gender data gap. The ramifications of this gap can range from inconvenient to life-threatening.
AI’s influence will permeate various aspects of life, including employment, education, and healthcare. However, as highlighted by Chaudhry, women currently receive only 2% of venture capital funding, and less than 1 percent of healthcare research funding addresses women’s health. “We must utilize technology for everyone, not just the elite,” Coldicutt stressed.
What actions should be taken? Coldicutt argues that existing AI models are crippled by centuries of bias, making rectification nearly impossible. “We need alternative models,” she insists, emphasizing the importance of fostering systems that prioritize care for both people and the planet.
Chaudhry, a co-founder of the nonprofit Humane Intelligence, which aids companies in enhancing accountability and fairness in AI systems, notes that much of current AI development is driven by a misplaced urgency focused on existential threats to jobs and humanity. “If your house were on fire, you wouldn’t contemplate your mother’s jewelry in that moment,” she explains. This sense of urgency leads to the neglect of essential factors, including diversity.
For the upcoming generation, Leslie advocates that to empower youth in developing AI for social benefit, we must reevaluate the economic and political frameworks surrounding AI development. “We need to begin by redefining incentives.”
Ultimately, we may need to redefine the very notion of intelligence in the context of AI to embrace a wider, more diverse array of perspectives. Much of the foundational thought on AI, including its definitions, arose from a landmark conference held at Dartmouth College in the 1950s—an event composed entirely of men, as Hall points out.
Artist’s Impression of a 5th-Century Visigoth Warrior
Creative Assembly (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)
A groundbreaking DNA study from Gothic tombs uncovers that the Goths were a multi-ethnic society, linked to regions spanning Scandinavia, modern-day Türkiye, and North Africa.
This finding challenges traditional theories that positioned the Goths solely as Scandinavian migrants to the eastern Mediterranean. “If Gothic identity were primarily tied to a biological lineage from Scandinavia, we wouldn’t observe this diversity,” states Svetoslav Stamov of the National History Museum of Bulgaria.
The Goths inhabited Eastern Europe from at least the 3rd century AD, frequently residing along the Roman Empire’s borders. They alternated between being allies and adversaries of Rome. Notably, the Visigoths famously sacked Rome in 410 AD, playing a crucial role in the Western Roman Empire’s decline.
Despite their historical significance, the Goths remain one of history’s least understood cultures, largely represented through potentially biased Roman accounts that often conflated various neighboring groups under labels like “Goths,” “Celts,” and “Scythians.”
To uncover the true identity of the Goths, Stamov and his team sequenced the genomes of 38 individuals from two Bulgarian sites, identified as Gothic based on their unique beads, jewelry, burial practices, and cranial modifications.
One site near the palace of Aur in Khan Omurtag featured a cemetery likely linked to an early Gothic bishop’s church, dating from around 350 to 489 AD. This location is tentatively associated with an early Christian bishop named Ulfila.
The team also analyzed samples from the necropolis of Aquae Caridae, an ancient Roman site (circa 320 to 375 AD) known for its healing center and bathhouse. Though not a cemetery, several burials occurred there; one revealed an artificial skull deformity atypical for Roman times, indicating cultural diversity, as noted by Stamov.
Though significantly distinct genetically, the two groups shared mixed heritage from Scandinavia, the Caucasus, the Levant, Anatolia (now Turkey), East Asia (now Mongolia), Egypt, and sub-Saharan Africa. “This reflects a remarkably diverse community,” Stamov commented.
Arianism, an early Christian sect, might have played a pivotal role in fostering inclusivity. “Anyone could become an Arian Christian,” emphasizes Todor Chobanov at the Balkan Research Institute and Laryngology Center, Sofia, Bulgaria.
Chobanov asserts that the premise that the Goths were “complex and diverse” holds merit, as doesn’t establish a direct link between ancestry and ethnic identity. However, the team’s genomic analysis remains limited, so further sampling is necessary for a comprehensive understanding. Moreover, they caution that simply possessing Gothic artifacts does not definitively identify individuals’ ethnicities.
James Harland, from the University of Bonn, posits that the Roman Empire’s influence was significant in shaping Gothic identity as they navigated cooperation and conflict with the empire. “The interactions with the empire facilitated the existence of these groups as cohesive units,” he points out.
“Various Gothic tribes resided at the fringes of the Roman Empire for centuries, absorbing numerous influences, such as clothing styles and pottery,” notes Chobanov.
Explore Historic Herculaneum – Uncover Vesuvius, Pompeii, and Ancient Naples
Embark on a captivating journey through the ruins of Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii, and Herculaneum, where history and archaeology come alive.
Extra dimensions allow for even more complex shapes
Vitalij Chalupnik / Alamy and NASA, ESA, and K. Stapelfeldt (JPL)
One of the most striking interviews of my career began with me sitting at my desk, head in my hands, discussing extra dimensions with a physicist over the phone. I sought to grasp the implications of dimensions being “small.” Amidst the conversation, I tuned out the laughter of a colleague and asked, “They’re not as small as jellybeans, are they?” The answer? It’s a complex one.
While extra dimensions are routinely referenced in physics, their true significance is often overlooked. They frequently arise in discussions regarding string theory—a revolutionary concept proposing that everything stems from minuscule, vibrating strings. These vibrations create particles, from atoms to electrons to quarks. My skepticism about string theory stems from its ideas ranging from the profoundly challenging to the outright untestable, which can be quite daunting. Additionally, these theories usually depend on an extra dimension to conceal the curled strings, a notion that I find difficult to wrap my head around.
Some established explanations, like the Flatland novella, provide entertaining yet enlightening allegories—helping us understand the experience of encountering another dimension while accustomed to four. However, most discussions devolve into ambiguity before we move on.
If extra dimensions are indeed real, they could resolve significant issues in both physics and cosmology, making it imperative to explore them. A notable challenge is gravity: paradoxically weaker than other fundamental forces. This anomaly might occur because gravity “leaks” into other dimensions, reducing its force in our observable universe. Recent hypotheses suggest that dark energy might similarly diminish over time due to an evolving extra dimension, affecting the energy balance of our familiar four-dimensional setup: three spatial dimensions and one of time.
Moreover, this concept is captivating, even as I grapple with the likelihood of extra dimensions existing alongside our own.
One of the most comprehensible kinds of additional dimensions can be found in Flatland, a narrative about geometric entities inhabiting a two-dimensional realm. They navigate a flat surface, much like a puck on ice, and perceive other shapes merely as lines from their limited viewpoint.
Conversely, beings with additional dimensions (humans, for example) see these entities from above or below, recognizing them as shapes rather than mere lines. In our three-dimensional world, we can extract shapes from this plane and rotate them. The remaining forms in Flatland maintain their flatness; instead of seeing stable lines, we’d view an intriguing cross-section where the shape intersects our dimension.
When applied to our universe — with three spatial dimensions and one temporal — even higher-dimensional entities could peer within our world, potentially drawing us into their dimensional space. Observers left behind would witness shifting cross-sections of our likenesses as we traverse this five-dimensional reality.
A variation of this scenario is the brane-world hypothesis, suggesting that our universe exists as the boundary of a higher-dimensional space. Originally proposed in 1999, this concept has recently gained traction as a feasible integration of our universe with the principles of string theory.
In one interpretation, our universe resides at the precipice between a higher-dimensional construct known as hyperspace and the void. Essentially, we occupy the very edge of existence, intriguingly termed the End of the World Brain. The fundamental particles we recognize correspond to the terminals of five-dimensional strings within hyperspace — yet, like the shapes in Flatland, we can never perceive the entirety of these strings.
This theory introduces five dimensions, but there could be countless others, most not resembling our universe at all. Imagine time not merely progressing forward and backward but also moving sideways (details omitted). Some dimensions could possess sizes akin to jellybeans, or even minuscule.
Are extra dimensions like nesting dolls?
Lars Ruecker/Getty Images
Consider a dimension as a collection of glass matryoshka dolls, each nestled within a larger one, accessible depending on the dimensional level one inhabits (likely four) and the doll representing the inner dimensions. The dimensions comparable to a jellybean may seem physically minute but represent expansive realities, akin to bubbles in glass. Each of these bubbles encapsulates a small realm, a kind of pocket universe.
Wondering about entry into this pocket world? These dimensions are often extremely diminutive, making it improbable for anyone larger than a jellybean—or perhaps a photon—to encounter them. Their minuscule nature is partly why they remain elusive. More sizeable dimensions would certainly attract attention. However, discovering smaller dimensions is not entirely out of the question. Think of light passing through a glass matryoshka doll. Air bubbles distort and reflect light. A parallel phenomenon occurs in actual additional dimensions.
Imagine a gravitational wave traversing one of our universe’s bubbles. It could emerge distorted, and with a potent enough detector, such distortions could be measured. Other investigative methods might include subtle quantum effects and exotic particles believed to originate exclusively from extra dimensions.
Researchers utilizing gravitational wave detectors, particle colliders, and traditional telescopes are diligently searching for these faint signs. However, no concrete evidence has been unearthed yet. Nonetheless, the very endeavor of seeking out extra dimensions could undermine my initial assertion that string theory lacks testable predictions. Should we eventually uncover such dimensions, it could significantly reshape my perspective on string theory — and our overarching understanding of the universe.
In-depth observations of WOH G64, previously regarded as the most extreme red supergiant star in our galaxy, have uncovered significant changes, suggesting it may have shed parts of its outer layers while transitioning into a hotter, rarer stellar phase.
Artist’s reconstruction of the red supergiant star WOH G64. Image credit: ESO/L. Calçada.
Red supergiant stars, exceeding eight times the mass of the Sun, boast relatively short lifespans of merely 1 to 10 million years before culminating in a spectacular supernova explosion.
Despite their brightness, the evolutionary trajectories and ultimate fates of the universe’s most luminous red supergiants remain unclear.
Discovered in the 1980s, WOH G64 has been recognized as one of the brightest, largest, and coolest red supergiants within the Large Magellanic Cloud, a dwarf galaxy located approximately 160,000 light-years from Earth.
To explore the evolution of WOH G64, Dr. Gonzalo Muñoz Sánchez from the National Astronomical Observatory of Athens and his team analyzed over 30 years of brightness data, commencing in 1992, using both recent and archived electromagnetic spectra.
The research indicated that the star experienced rapid fluctuations: it dimmed in 2011, then rebounded, transforming into a yellower hue and increasing in temperature by over 1,000 degrees Celsius between 2013 and 2014.
In 2025, WOH G64 experienced a significant dimming, accompanied by alterations in its atmospheric chemistry.
This image, captured by ESO’s Very Large Telescope Interferometer’s GRAVITY instrument, showcases the red supergiant star WOH G64. Image credit: ESO/Ohnaka et al., doi: 10.1051/0004-6361/202451820.
Astronomers have proposed two possible explanations for these developments.
“First, WOH G64 could be part of a binary system where a red supergiant star transformed into a yellow supergiant due to interactions that expelled part of its atmosphere,” the researchers noted.
“Alternatively, the yellow supergiant may have experienced an eruption of red material lasting several decades, culminating in 2014.”
“This discovery raises intriguing questions about the nature of extreme red supergiants like WOH G64 and whether they are predominantly interacting binaries, which might prevent single stars from reaching such extreme conditions,” the researchers concluded.
The future interactions of WOH G64 will ultimately determine whether it explodes as a supernova, collapses into a black hole, or merges with a companion star.
For further details, refer to the study published in the journal Nature Astronomy.
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G. Munoz-Sanchez et al. A dramatic transformation from the very red supergiant WOH G64 to a yellow supergiant. Nat Astron, published online on February 23, 2026. doi: 10.1038/s41550-026-02789-7
The universe contains space waiting to be explored. When we shift our focus from Earth and the Milky Way to intergalactic space, we find an average density of 1 atom per cubic meter, or roughly 35 cubic feet of emptiness. Yet, the universe holds more than mere emptiness; it conceals a wealth of material on smaller scales.
Inside galaxies, regions between stars harbor gatherings of matter at different temperatures and densities, collectively known as the multiphase interstellar medium (ISM). This cosmic material primarily consists of hydrogen and helium, supplemented by trace amounts of heavier elements, referred to by astronomers as metals. It is from this material that new stars are born.
A recent study by a team of astronomers examined how variable metallic content affects star formation within the ISM. By simulating ISM clouds with varying metallicities across seven regions of the nearby universe, including areas near the Sun, random patches of the Milky Way, the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, Sextans A, the globular cluster NGC 1904, and the blue compact dwarf galaxy I Zwicky 18, the team employed the SILCC project, a collaborative effort among European research institutions focused on simulating the lifecycle of star-forming gas clouds.
Using a sophisticated simulation code, the researchers modeled gas dynamics and magnetic field interactions within a massive cuboid measuring 500 parsecs on each side. This giant box, equivalent to 15 quintillion kilometers per side, contained gas molecules influenced by the gravitational attractions of star clusters and dark matter present within and around the cloud. To maintain cloud stability, gas molecules were initially set to move at an average speed of 10 kilometers per second during the first 20 million years.
Post-initiation, the simulation examined how magnetic fields and fluid dynamics evolved, including the effects of high-energy protons, referred to as cosmic rays. Over a simulated timeframe of 200 million years, the researchers tracked cloud interactions, star formation, lifecycle events, and the chemistry of residual molecules. By isolating metallicity effects across the seven different simulations, it was found that the solar neighborhood had the highest metallicity, while I Zwicky 18 displayed a mere 2% metallicity.
The findings revealed that low-metallicity regions of the ISM tend to be warmer on average compared to high-metallicity areas. The results indicated that metals possess superior heat-releasing properties compared to hydrogen or helium. In contrast, colder regions rich in metals fostered star birth, whereas warmer, low-metallicity environments produced fewer stars, perpetuating a cycle of thermal dynamics until temperatures soared to around 1 million Kelvin (or 2 million °F).
The research team acknowledged several simplifications in their study. Due to time constraints, only metallicity was varied across simulations, despite differing spatial parameters. Additionally, the team underestimated common metals like carbon, oxygen, and silicon, which are formed at higher rates through stellar nuclear fusion. Lastly, it was assumed that all massive stars culminated their lifespans via supernovae, excluding the possibility of black hole formation.
Many of us aspire to enhance our intelligence, whether we admit it or not. Who wouldn’t want to be the life of the dinner party or excel at chess?
You might be curious if it’s feasible to boost brain performance beyond innate genetics and an enriching early environment. If so, how can you achieve this?
Brain training games are often promoted as a viable solution. Just as individuals pursue muscle gains at the gym, those looking to sharpen their intellect gravitate toward brain-training games.
Their popularity has surged recently, largely due to the availability of apps on smartphones, coupled with the enticing premise: play for a few minutes daily and become smarter.
Unfortunately, the evidence supporting brain-training games is less than compelling.
A significant 2018 study demonstrated that participants improved significantly in a token-tracking game. However, when tested on similar tasks like recalling short digit strings, those gains vanished. The training failed to transfer from games to real-world tasks.
“When it comes to brain training, as marketed,” states Professor Bobby Stoyanowski, the study’s lead researcher, “we don’t see any improvement.”
Other research corroborates Stoyanowski’s findings. This isn’t the first time claims surrounding such games have been challenged; in 2016, the US Federal Trade Commission fined Lumosity $2 million, citing deceptive advertising related to their brain training claims.
“This raises many questions,” said Stojanowski. “We understand that our brains are plastic and can be enhanced, so the potential for improving cognitive performance is still open.”
Interestingly, one potential improvement avenue might involve weightlifting.
Harnessing Brain Power
When envisioning a high-IQ individual, we often picture a frail, bookish person instead of someone with a fit physique. However, these stereotypes are outdated and misleading, especially since exercise can significantly enhance mental capacities.
Puzzles can assess spatial awareness and problem-solving but how beneficial are they for cognitive function? – Image credit: Getty Images
A 2024 analysis indicated that motivating children to engage in regular exercise led to a noteworthy increase of four IQ points, regardless of their initial IQ levels or duration of the intervention.
While four points may seem minor, Dr. Javier Salvador Morales, the analysis’ lead author, argues that “an average increase of four IQ points is significant in a population context.”
For comparison, studies have shown that an additional year of formal education generally increases IQ by about one to five points.
“Thus, the impacts we observed relate comparably to the cognitive benefits of an extra year of schooling,” he says.
He notes that this isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. “This doesn’t imply that individual physical activity will automatically result in such changes; rather, a structured exercise program can meaningfully enhance a child’s intelligence.”
Why is exercise effective? Its benefits for the brain are numerous.
MRI scans have shown that exercise can facilitate the creation of new neurons in the hippocampus, vital for learning and memory, improve brain connectivity, promote new blood vessel formation, and protect against neurodegenerative disease proteins.
These effects can largely be attributed to enhanced blood flow and oxygen availability, providing the brain with essential energy. Additionally, exercise leads to the release of neurotransmitters and hormones that benefit healthy brain function.
Read More:
The Thought Process
Are certain types of exercise more effective than others? Currently, the answers are debatable since much research has targeted older adults with moderate activities like walking taking precedence.
A 2024 study found that gardening was linked to a reduced risk of cognitive decline in individuals over 45, with higher energy expenditure driving improvements among participants engaged in gardening.
However, Salvador Morales’ analysis indicated benefits across a range of activities including aerobic exercises, yoga, team sports, and strength training. “Despite the differences, a clear pattern emerged: Structured physical exercise improved both general and fluid intelligence,” he affirms.
Certain trends were evident. Interventions typically lasted between 30 to 60 minutes, occurred three to five days a week, and included moderate to vigorous exercise.
Moreover, combining various exercise types proved effective. Some evidence suggests that mixing aerobic exercises with strength and flexibility training yields greater cognitive function improvements in older adults.
Research indicates that active, interactive video games may offer cognitive benefits. – Image courtesy of Getty Images
There’s ongoing debate regarding the magnitude or directness of these effects. Exercise often coincides with other benefits like improved sleep quality, mood enhancement, and social interaction. Nonetheless, Salvador Morales insists the cumulative evidence is compelling.
“Decades of research consistently demonstrate that structured exercise programs correlate with tangible improvements in cognitive and intellectual outcomes among youth,” he states.
This trend appears consistent across nearly all age demographics surveyed.
“Intelligence is influenced by a range of biological, educational, and environmental factors; thus, we can’t deem it the ‘best’ approach,” he observes.
“However, exercise is one of the few interventions consistently showing positive effects in randomized controlled trials for adolescents. It also enhances physical, emotional, and social well-being simultaneously—something not always achievable through more focused cognitive strategies.”
“While no single formula exists for boosting intelligence, exercise stands out as a safe, accessible, and broadly beneficial option.”
While brain-training apps may not significantly boost IQ, emerging technologies that integrate physical activity could hold promise.
A notable study involving mostly sedentary students showcased a virtual reality game with lightsabers.
Rather than remaining stationary, players had to swing, dodge, and engage dynamically, turning the game into a moderate to intense physical activity workout.
The outcomes, though modest, were significant. After gameplay, participants exhibited marked improvements in cognitive tests regarding naming, abstraction, and spatial orientation.
So, the wisest strategy might not be to abandon brain-training games completely, but to seek out games that engage both your mind and body.
Empathy is widely viewed as a valuable trait. We nurture empathy in children to foster their ability to understand others’ emotions and offer support when necessary.
Research consistently highlights the advantages of empathy, contributing to strong social and interpersonal skills. However, what happens when this empathy is exploited? This leads us to the intriguing concept of the dark empath.
What is a Dark Empath?
To comprehend dark empaths, it’s essential first to grasp the concept of the dark triad.
The dark triad encompasses three personality traits: narcissism (an inflated sense of entitlement and grandiosity), psychopathy (marked by lack of remorse, superficial charm, and impulsiveness), and Machiavellianism (manipulative and strategic behaviors).
Now, envision someone who embodies all three of these traits while simultaneously possessing a high degree of empathy. This person is known as a dark empath.
A dark empath has a keen understanding of others’ emotions, yet instead of empathizing, they manipulate, guilt, or control them – Photo credit: Getty
The key distinction between Dark Triad individuals and Dark Empaths is that the latter can truly understand others’ emotions. While this may sound favorable, it’s detrimental when empathy is wielded as a tool for manipulation.
Dark empaths do not merely show increased general empathy; they often excel in specific forms of empathy.
Research identifies three distinct types of empathy:
Emotional Empathy: The capacity to feel what another person is experiencing (e.g., tearing up while watching a touching film).
Cognitive Empathy: Understanding another person’s emotional state without necessarily feeling the same emotion (for instance, recognizing someone’s distress after watching a sad movie).
Compassionate Empathy: Comprehending someone’s feelings and actively helping them (like hugging someone who is sobbing after a sorrowful film).
Dark empaths can be particularly perilous due to their high level of cognitive empathy, which enables them to discern what others feel and require. This knowledge can then be manipulated to exploit others’ vulnerabilities for their gain.
Unlike their Dark Triad counterparts, Dark Empaths often exude an extroverted charm and appear likable in social contexts. Their exceptional social skills make them difficult to identify, fostering trust—a lethal combination.
Learn More:
How to Identify a Dark Empath
So, how can you determine if someone you know is a dark empath? Look for individuals who excel at reading emotions but mainly utilize this skill for self-serving purposes rather than to offer genuine support.
Specific signs that may indicate someone is a dark empath include:
Their kindness feels insincere
They manipulate others for their own advantage
They possess strong social skills
They instill guilt or play on your insecurities
While these are not definitive indicators of a dark empath, they are cautionary signals worth noting.
Ultimately, it’s important to nurture and appreciate empathy while being vigilant about the motives behind it.
Do their intentions truly seem altruistic, or do they have hidden agendas?
This article (by Carol Steger, Colorado) addresses the inquiry: “What defines a dark empath?”
If you have any questions, please reach out to us at:questions@sciencefocus.com or message us onFacebook,Twitter, or Instagram(make sure to include your name and location).
Discover our ultimate collection offun science facts. Explore even more amazing science content.
When discussing hair removal options, many products promise quick fixes or a return to the hair’s original luster. Unfortunately, these claims often fall short, leading to subpar and temporary results.
Fortunately, breakthroughs in science may reveal effective strategies to combat this issue.
The intriguing solution could involve freezing hair at extremely low temperatures to produce clones—yes, clones! Sci-fi enthusiasts, get ready to support this innovation.
What Causes Male Pattern Baldness?
The common misconception is that bald individuals lack hair entirely, but that’s not true. When hair is lost, it doesn’t disappear; instead, it shrinks.
“Baldness is a result of hair shrinking,” explains Paul Kemp, CEO of HairClone, a pioneering company dedicated to next-generation hair loss treatments. “The hair isn’t gone; it’s just becoming smaller and less visible.”
The shrinkage occurs due to a type of skin cell known as dermal papilla, which surrounds the base of hair follicles and is essential for hair formation, growth, and texture.
During hair loss, the number of these vital cells—typically around 1,000 per follicle—diminishes dramatically.
This loss is exacerbated by dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent derivative of testosterone that affects hair follicles differently across the scalp. Generally, dermal papilla cells on the top of the head are more susceptible to this process compared to those on the sides.
Recent research findings, published in Experimental Dermatology, explore how these skin cells differentiate during early embryonic development, suggesting a genetic basis for why some areas are more prone to hair loss.
“The dermal cells that are lost and those that remain originate from distinctly different populations,” Professor Kemp clarifies. “Essentially, where you experience hair loss can be likened to a ticking clock set from the moment your body begins to develop.”
Read More:
Why Cloning Hair Could Cure Baldness
With the loss of dermal papilla cells linked to baldness, researchers are racing to discover ways to replenish them. Hair cloning, also known as hair propagation, is gaining traction, thanks to frontrunners like HairClone.
This pioneering technology is not yet available in the UK or US, but if successful, it could come with a hefty price tag. Kemp notes, “While initial costs will be high, scaling up production should help lower prices, making it comparable to advanced hair transplant techniques.”
Unlike traditional hair transplants, hair cloning can be initiated before significant hair loss occurs, ensuring discreet treatment results.
Here’s how the process works:
1. Hair Root Collection and Preservation:
Healthy hair follicles are extracted from areas where hair is still growing and cryogenically preserved for later use. For optimal results, it’s crucial to gather these follicles while they are still young.
2. Cell Multiplication:
This step involves isolating and multiplying dermal papilla cells in a laboratory setting. As Dr. Jennifer Dillon states: “From one follicle, we can multiply these cells over 1,000 times, resulting in over a million cells.”
3. Replantation:
The cultivated dermal papilla cells are injected back into bald areas of the scalp, returning hair to its natural thickness and fullness. This step is awaiting regulatory approval, but initial clinical data is promising.
While banking hair follicles is currently possible globally, it comes with a significant cost.
What Other Treatments Are Available?
Although hair cloning is a buzz-worthy topic, it isn’t the sole treatment option. A study published in the Cosmetic Dermatology Journal suggests that fat cells harvested from the abdomen could regenerate hair. This method, known as autologous fat grafting (AFG), eliminates the need for cryogenic preservation.
AFG falls under stem cell therapy, using versatile cells that can transform into various cell types to meet regenerative needs. Instead of freezing hair cells, stem cells can be extracted from the patient’s body and directed to grow into hair cells, injected into the scalp just like in hair cloning.
Another innovative treatment in development is microRNA therapy, which fine-tunes gene expression to stimulate hair growth and has the potential to be applied topically, thus reducing invasiveness.
When Will These Treatments Be Available?
As with hair cloning, various stem cell and microRNA treatments are currently seeking clinical approval, potentially becoming available in the coming years. Despite the rising optimism for effective baldness treatments, Dr. Claire Higgins, a tissue regeneration expert at Imperial College London, warns that success in lab trials does not always translate to clinical effectiveness.
Dr. Higgins believes that understanding the specific reasons why some dermal papilla cells are more vulnerable to hair loss will be key in designing more effective treatments. “While we understand the physiological changes leading to hair loss, the underlying causes remain unclear.”
Optimistically, Kemp concludes that future generations will have revolutionary solutions for hair restoration, much like advancements in dentistry. “Rather than waiting for hair loss to occur, we envision a world where individuals can maintain their hair throughout life.”
About Our Experts
Dr. Paul Kemp is the Co-founder and CEO of HairClone. Previously, he led the development of the first multicellular therapy approved by the FDA, currently benefitting millions globally. He also serves as co-director for doctoral training in regenerative medicine at the University of Manchester.
Dr. Claire Higgins is a leading lecturer in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine at Imperial College London, focusing on hair follicles and skin regeneration.
Dr. Jennifer Dillon heads research at HairClone, specializing in the development of cell therapies for hair loss and possessing over a decade of experience in stem cell and cancer research.
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